A lawsuit in Oakland may do what legislation hasn’t: crack open the door to rent control on newer housing. At first glance, it looks like a narrow disability-access claim, but in reality, it could upend one of the pillars of California rent control: the exemption for newer construction under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. Let’s…
For decades, condominiums and townhomes served as the affordable entry point into homeownership. Much like the old fast-food “$1 Menu,” they gave working families, young professionals, and first-time buyers a realistic opportunity to build equity without stretching their budgets. Today, that affordable option is disappearing. While attached homes remain significantly less expensive than detached houses,…
For owner/operators in California, asking a tenant to leave can feel like navigating a legal minefield. With strict tenant protection laws, rent control ordinances, and long eviction timelines, many landlords want to know: Is there a legal way to have a tenant leave voluntarily? The answer is yes – but only if it’s done correctly. California law…
This second part focuses on the practical steps California landlords should take to remediate mold, communicate with tenants, document issues properly, and prevent future problems. These processes not only ensure compliance with California law but also protect your rental property value and reduce liability. Why Proper Mold Remediation Procedures Matter Mold isn’t simply a cleaning issue –…
Mold is one of the most common and frustrating problems California landlords face. Between the state’s coastal humidity, seasonal rains, and older housing stock, mold issues can develop quickly – especially when a tenant doesn’t report water damage promptly. Because California treats mold as a habitability concern, landlords must understand their legal responsibilities, how to prevent…
If you own a rental home in California, timing can make a major difference in how fast your property rents, how much rent you can charge, and the quality of tenants you attract. Many landlords focus on pricing and upgrades, but overlook one of the most powerful tools available: seasonality. In this guide, we’ll break down the best…
California’s 2025–2026 legislative session has introduced a sweeping wave of housing-related bills that collectively expand tenant protections while placing new operational and financial pressures on housing providers. From extended eviction timelines and new hardship defenses to broader accommodation requirements and additional regulatory standards, these proposals reflect a continued policy shift toward tenant stability – often…
Once a landlord provides a unit to the exclusive use of a resident, that tenant enjoys an absolute right of quiet enjoyment of the property, meaning the landlord may only enter under specified reasons provided by California code. With the inception of a myriad of tenant anti-harassment laws established all around California, cautious landlords would…
If you’re a landlord in California, especially a self-managing landlord, one of your top legal obligations is providing a habitable dwelling. But what exactly does “habitability” mean under California law? More importantly, what happens if your rental doesn’t meet those standards? This comprehensive guide outlines your responsibilities as a landlord and offers tips to help self-managing landlords stay compliant,…
A recent California Court of Appeals decision centered on Pasadena’s rent-increase relocation rules is now shaping a separate legal battle over a similar ordinance in Los Angeles, after the appellate court asked parties to explain how the Pasadena ruling affects the Los Angeles case. The Pasadena decision held that a local requirement forcing housing providers…