Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws followed by answers provided by Attorney Richard Beckman. Question 1: Can I still use Small Claims Court to recover unpaid rent from the Covid period when tenants were protected from eviction even for non-payment of rent? Answer 1: Maybe, depending on how…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: I own a single-family residence, and I have decided to lease it for the first time. Are there any limitations on the rent I can charge, and do you have any…
Pacific Legal Foundation is going back to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend a Michigan family against an outrageous injustice. We’ve joined as co-counsel in the case Pung v. Isabella County, which will be argued at the Court this term. The facts of the case should shock the country. What happened to the Pung…
The New Rental Housing Laws 2026 bring important updates for California landlords and tenants. These changes cover requirements for appliances in new leases, security deposit handling, internet and phone opt-outs, Social Security rent protections, and Oakland rent banking rules. Understanding these new regulations is essential for property owners to remain compliant and protect tenants’ rights.…
In Los Angeles, the Accessory Dwelling Unit – or ADU – has gone from a niche concept to a full-blown citywide craze. Sophisticated investors and smaller landlords alike are adding detached units faster than ever. But before you call your contractor, it’s worth taking a sober look at both the upside and the pitfalls of…
In late September, Culver City became the first municipality in California to legalize the construction of mid-rise apartment buildings with a single staircase. Unless you’re a member of the niche but fervent subculture of architects, urbanists and pro-housing advocates who clamor for “single-stair reform,” this might not sound like big news. But supporters say it…
California’s rental housing industry is watching closely as the Court of Appeals considers a case that could transform the legal landscape for housing providers statewide. The lawsuit, Yeh v. Barrington Pacific, LLC, centers on a question that may carry major implications: Can a tenant sue for $10,000 under the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA),…
The 50-year mortgage is not yet available, but is being discussed amongst one-to-four unit lenders. If it materializes and proves successful, this option will almost certainly become available to apartment and commercial investors. The traditional 30-year mortgage has long been the standard in domestic lending, but as housing prices continue to climb and affordability becomes…
Effective Immediately, NO Upcharge for Gas/Electricity for LARSO Landlords Any rent increase notice issued, or not yet in effect, to LARSO renters can be no greater than 3%. While the current 3% rent increase remains in effect through June 30, 2026, the former 1% allowance for gas and/or electricity has been removed. If a Change…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding habitability issues, followed by answers provided by the law firm of Simone and Blevins. Question One: I am renting out a condo in Chula Vista. I am now receiving notice from my tenants that the house has habitability issues, as there is no central heating…