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Hello everybody.  From time to time AOA members encounter problems with their neighbors’ trees.  Frequently, the issue is with tree limbs which overhang the AOA owner’s property.  Of course, the situation could be reversed whereby the branches of the tree belonging to the AOA owner grow over the neighbor’s land. 

One of the most common and preventable causes of property damage to residential properties is the sudden and accidental release of water from the building’s plumbing system.  Residential plumbing systems consist of a water supply piping system and drain or waste line system.  Because the water supply piping system is

We’ve been accumulating new readers with both hands it seems, and for that I’m very grateful. But it’s not all campfires and S’mores. Frankly, it’s difficult for new folks to step into the middle of an ongoing conversation like we’ve been having. Recently, one of my longer-term clients asked me to introduce his nephew to…

City Strengthens Tool to Mediate Rent Increases New Law Took Effect October 1, 2015 The City of Alameda strengthened its procedures to help resolve landlord-tenant disputes over rent increases by adopting two new ordinances

Prospective Tenant in Wheelchair with Dog Question:  I am a landlord with a “no pets” policy.  Recently, someone in a wheelchair came to look at an open apartment.  He called me later and told me he was really interested in the apartment, and he mentioned he has a dog.  He didn’t say whether the dog…

Question 1:  What is the status of the Richmond rent control law you mentioned in last month’s article?

Later this year, the drought gripping California may finally be somewhat alleviated— according to multiple news outlets.  El Niño, the mass of warmer-than-usual water which develops in the Tropical Pacific Ocean, had a 65% chance of arriving later this last summer.  The chances further increase to 80% during late fall or early winter.   El Niño…

The Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute joined local property owners in filing a lawsuit against the City and County of San Francisco.  The lawsuit challenges a new ordinance that dramatically increases relocation payments that San Francisco landlords must give to tenants whose rental units are withdrawn under the state Ellis Act.  (The Ellis…

Question One: I let a friend move into my house and she has stayed there for almost three months. Things are not going so well and I asked her to move. Unfortunately, she has refused to vacate. I called the police and they stated they could not help me. I am so confused. How can…

What could gratitude and happiness possibly have to do with success on the job?  Everything.  There’s plenty of proof that there are health benefits to feeling grateful and happy; such feelings can reduce stress, boost your immune system, open your mind to new possibilities and make it easier to be kind and creative.