Blog

Arbitration and Mediation: Litigation Alternatives – By Dale Alberstone, Esq.

Hello everybody.  With the recent soaring cost of litigation, including court fees, attorneys’ fees, court reporter fees, deposition transcript fees, etc., aggrieved parties, and particularly apartment and other small business owners, now wisely endeavor to avoid judicial litigation in favor of alternative dispute resolution proceedings.  Both plaintiffs and defendants frequently find that mediation and/or binding…

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Why U.S. House Prices STILL Have Significant Upside – By Dr. Steve Sjuggerud

You’re right… House prices have gone up – A LOT – in your area. I know it. You don’t have to tell me. I see it, too.

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Powers of Attorney: A Primer – By Edgar Saenz, Esq.

A power of attorney (POA) is a writing giving someone else the power to act as agent for the grantor.  The person granting the powers is called the “principal.”  The agent is called the attorney-in-fact. 

CITY OF ALAMEDA PRESS RELEASE

 Council Adopts Urgency Ordinance Prohibiting Rent Increases over 8% and No Cause Evictions for 65 Days

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The Importance of the Move-In Property Condition Checklist – By Sean Martin

Perhaps the most important precursor to signing a lease agreement is the proper completion of a property condition checklist PRIOR to your tenant’s move-in.  The checklist is required to document the property’s condition, without which a rental owner [may have a difficult time] legally collecting or withholding any deposit money from the tenant.

Stay Ahead in the Vacancy Game! – By Jeffrey Taylor

Every year, about 60 days out from year end, I ask if people are planning to move in the upcoming year. This year only one said yes (he’s leaving the Coast Guard and moving home.) I had his space rented more than 60 days before his lease is up, so that was good! And this…

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Property Owners Prevail!! – By the SPOSFI Institute

Small property owners of San Francisco Institute and local property owners have prevailed in opposing the second effort by San Francisco to substantially increase Ellis Act relocation payments.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Tenants – Size Doesn’t Matter – By Patricia A. Harris

Here’s a statement you don’t hear too often – “Wow … my landlord gave me a gift this holiday season!” Sending/giving holiday gifts once a year to your tenants (customers) promotes good will, lets them know you appreciate them, can turn bad tenants into better ones and makes it a little easier for them to…

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Bring Your Estate Plan “Up to Code” for the Holidays – by Kenneth Ziskin, Attorney

All of our thoughts turn to family during the Holiday season even more than the rest of the year.  That makes this a great time to consider whether the Estate Plan you have for your family is still “up to code.” No “inspector” will drop by unannounced to see if your

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Fool Me Once – Fool Me Twice (A Landlord’s Eviction Nightmare) – By Gregory T. Meyer, Attorney

The following true story highlights how tenants can take advantage of a generous landlord and the procedural nightmares that can come into play when attempting to regain possession of rental property.  A discussion the procedural history follows. (Keep in mind that the article was written with Texas law in mind.  The time periods referenced for…

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