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,…
California policymakers frequently speak about affordable housing, expanding housing opportunities, and preserving the American Dream. Yet while pursuing these goals, Government continues to pull the wrong lever. Restrictions Aren’t Solutions If the objective is to increase housing availability and improve affordability, public policy should encourage investment in housing. Instead, policymakers have increasingly responded to…
California’s housing rules changed in 2026. Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628) adds refrigerators — and stoves — to the list of things a rental unit must include to be considered “tenantable.” If you own or manage rental property in Orange County, AB 628 affects your move-in checklist, leases, maintenance budgets, and tenant communications. Here’s a…
Introducing new staff to the realities of property management goes beyond reviewing lease terms and daily operations. It includes preparing them to handle complex resident situations that require sound judgment, legal understanding, and compassion. One of these situations is hoarding—a condition that presents both health and safety risks and the need for careful compliance with…
Annual Rent Increase is Fraudulent As an example, every year in September, the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) is charged with responsibility of examining the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and comparing the increase or decrease over the last previous years. It’s an arcane formula.
“You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.” This admonition accurately characterizes the spirit and intent of the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act (SSCCA), implementation of which has made Californiathe first state in the nation
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California and Orange County rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: My property is located in Fullerton and is subject to the Renters Protection Act (AB 1482). My tenant has asked for permission to bring in a…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: My property is located in the City of Los Angeles and is subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). My tenant has asked for permission to bring in a…
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…
When faced with a vacancy, it’s natural to feel anxiety and urgency—the pressure to stop “losing money every day.” As days on the market increase, self-doubt (“Did I price it too high?”) and frustration (“It shouldn’t be this hard to rent a good unit”) can quickly set in. Because of this, many housing providers begin…