The following information explains Iten V. County of Los Angeles, a federal lawsuit filed by Pacific Legal Foundation to defend constitutional property protections. It is reprinted here with permission. Howard Iten is a retired auto mechanic who greatly depends on rental income from his one commercial property in Lawndale, California. His current tenant, however, is an…
DetailsDelays and backlogs in criminal and civil cases are spreading throughout California’s court system. Half as many cases were resolved — 1.4 million fewer — from March through August last year than during the same period in 2019, according to a report the state judicial branch’s administration put together. No one knows how many thousands of cases…
DetailsNet operating income (NOI) is the driver of value in real estate investing. Unfortunately, for many properties during COVID, the NOI has been capitated due to the mandated residential eviction moratoria (City, State, Federal), that run through the end of 2020. In 2021, as tenants find their footing and figure out how to pay rent, owners…
Details“Is that your final answer?” You may recognize the question made famous by the popular TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Choosing the right answer in this game gives you a shot at winning big money, while the wrong answer leaves you with nothing. Investors conducting a 1031 Exchange face a similar…
DetailsAB 3088 permits owners to proceed to Small Claims Court for the collection of back rent or other rental deficit damages. A Plaintiff may not appeal from a Small Claims Court award, ruling decision or judgment. It seems so simple and safe, right? Be careful. The Trial The Tenant Protection or eviction groups are going…
DetailsThe recent passage of Prop 19 eliminates the parent-child and grandparent-grandchild exclusion from reassessment for properties other than a “family home.” As of February 16, 2021, if you transfer your property to your children (or, grandchildren, if the parents are deceased), via any means (gifts, sale, hybrid, estate plan after your passing, etc.) that property…
DetailsMaintenance issues are all urgent now. Landlords’ cannot wait for the COVID vaccine to replace a burnt-out light bulb in the laundry room. A broken toilet can no longer be fixed when someone gets back from work at 5 p.m. It needs to be fixed NOW. Everyone is home. We rarely need to make an…
DetailsDear AOA: We are in receipt of the updated AOA Rental Agreement and/or Lease. We have used this form for years and sincerely appreciate the protection of having an attorney-reviewed document supporting our agreement with tenants. We have also attended your excellent seminars and have updated information suggested as improvements or protections by your speakers. …
DetailsRecently, and strictly out of curiosity, I went online to a web site called www.supportpets.com to see how difficult or easy it was to obtain a document to qualify my cat, Oliver, as an emotional support animal (ESA). Once I entered in my personal information, including my email address, I was presented with a series…
DetailsQ: Six months ago, I rented my two-bedroom apartment to a single woman with a one-year lease. She wants a roommate. Do I have to allow my tenant to have a roommate? A: It depends. Most leases include a clause that prohibits or authorizes tenants to have a roommate or add additional occupants. If you…
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