On October 16, 2023, the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District reversed an order by the Santa Barbara County Superior Court granting a motion in limine excluding the testimony of plaintiff, Dana Brancati’s medical expert, in a mold bodily injury case. That exclusion order resulted in the dismissal of the plaintiff’s action.…
For property managers, landlords, and HOA boards, few maintenance complaints generate as much concern as mold. What begins as a routine tenant report can quickly evolve into a costly dispute involving inspectors, attorneys, insurance carriers, contractors, and claims specialists. In many cases, legitimate moisture problems require prompt attention and professional remediation. However, experienced property owners…
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…
Controlling operating expenses is a constant priority for property managers, landlords, and HOA boards. For that reason, in-house maintenance teams are often tasked with handling a wide range of repairs, from drywall patching to plumbing fixtures and painting. While this approach is efficient for routine maintenance, mold and mildew remediation is not a routine maintenance…
It’s one of the most frequent complaints amongCaliforniatenants, and for a while there was little they could do about potentially hazardous mold in their units. Mold is hazardous and has potential for creating numerous health issues. Exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing. Some people with serious allergies…
Does your insurance policy cover when a toilet overflows, the drains back up, a sewer line breaks or sends water gushing in from the street, or when the sump pump malfunctions?
Landlord–tenant laws vary by state and locality. This checklist before a tenant moves out is general guidance; always confirm your jurisdiction’s specific security deposit, inspection, and notice requirements before acting on any deduction or claim. The move-out inspection is one of the highest-leverage moments in the rental cycle. In a single walkthrough, a landlord may…
Landlord–tenant laws vary by state and locality. This checklist before a tenant moves out is general guidance; always confirm your jurisdiction’s specific security deposit, inspection, and notice requirements before acting on any deduction or claim. The move-out inspection is one of the highest-leverage moments in the rental cycle. In a single walkthrough, a landlord…
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…