IRS Issues New Warning About Tax Credit Scams The IRS recently warned all Americans about the growing number of tax scams getting promoted on the internet and social media. Many of the scams involve fraudulently claiming tax credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and Sick and Family Leave Credit. In reality, the vast majority of…
I strongly oppose Agenda Item #20. This proposal would force housing providers across all cities and all property types in L.A. County to absorb at least three months of unpaid rent before even being allowed to begin the eviction process. Raising the eviction threshold to three months of “fair market value” rent is nothing less…
Last month, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A, increasing the county’s sales tax by five-eighths of one percent. The increase will push the total sales tax above ten percent in many cities in the county, including San Jose. Supporters of Measure A, the Board of Supervisors among them, claimed that the proceeds would be…
For many Los Angeles property owners, the ADU has become the new favorite way to boost income without buying another building. Turning a garage, side yard, or unused corner of the lot into a rentable unit sounds like a straightforward value play – and in many ways, it is. Last month in Part One of…
With homeownership exceeding the cost of renting, multifamily resident retention is approaching an all-time high, according to recent data from a leading global provider of real estate AI-enabled software platforms. In addition to strong resident retention, also identified were specific markets where rent prices are decreasing, such as: Denver and Austin: Rents are down nearly…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by Attorney Richard Beckman. Question 1: My Oakland rental building was built in 1918. The information was preprinted on the form the City of Oakland provided when I registered the building for rent control on 04/05/2023. It appears to…
To help housing providers stay compliant with new laws taking effect in 2026, AOA made significant updates to all of its rental agreements, including the Bay Area rental agreements. Keep in mind that multiple attorneys, from across the state, review and advise us in the revision process. These updated rental agreements (Form 101) are now…
Power-Efficient Design Strategies for Small Multifamily Buildings As San Francisco, the Bay Area, and California continue the push to reduce climate pollution, electrifying buildings—especially small multifamily residences—has become a key strategy. However, the transition from gas to electric appliances often raises concerns about increased bills and the need for costly electrical panel upgrades. This article…
The conversation around cost management and compliance in property operations has always been delicate, but as we step into 2026, the connection between the two has never been more significant. The familiar saying “penny-wise and pound-foolish” continues to play out across the industry as companies attempt to reduce expenses without fully understanding the long-term financial…
For years, California apartment owners have been told that increased regulation, capped rents, and reduced operational flexibility are necessary sacrifices in the fight against homelessness. The private rental housing industry has been asked – repeatedly – to absorb risk, limit income growth, and shoulder greater responsibility in the name of solving a statewide crisis. Now,…