New Ordinances Require “Soft Story” Retrofits in Metropolitan Multi-Family Units – by David Lopp

 The adoption of Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance recognizes a vulnerable building type and mandates corrective measures.  It is common knowledge that California geology is vulnerable to earthquakes. Geological records show a pattern of seismic events that can be used to determine the locations most susceptible to an earthquake.  The experience of seismic events within our lifetime…

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Non-Refundable Purchase Deposits and Liquidated Damages – By Dale Alberstone, Esq.

Hello everybody.  My discussion this month examines the validity of a “non-refundable” deposit clause in a real estate purchase contract and related liquidated damages provisions. The California Court of Appeal case of Kuish v. Smith, 181 Cal.App.4th 1419, well illustrates current law. The Kuish Decision In Kuish, the buyer (Kuish) entered into a written contract…

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Legal Q & A by Dennis Block, Attorney

Question 1:  Due to the extraordinary hot weather, my tenant is demanding that I install an air conditioner. Do I have a legal obligation to do so? Answer 1: There is no obligation for a landlord to install an air conditioner under the California Civil Code. A habitable dwelling does not require air conditioning. If,…

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