Magazine Articles

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dramatically increases relocation payments that San Francisco landlords must give to tenants whose rental units are withdrawn under the state Ellis Act.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…

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…

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.

In this article I plan to give you a 30,000 foot perspective on strategies that successful apartment owners can use to disinherit the tax man. In giving seminars to hundreds of AOA members around California on “Estate Planning for Apartment Owners” I have been amazed by how many apartment owners have built big enough estates…

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights has filed director’s charges of illegal discrimination against 13 property owners after on-site fair housing testing show evidence of housing discrimination.

Q: I was notified that one of my tenant’s children broke a staircase railing at one of my apartment buildings. The railing is in the stairway that all tenants must use to access their apartments. I have repeatedly asked the tenant whose child broke the railing to repair it, telling them how dangerous it is,…

Looking for ways to keep from piling on the food and the pounds over the holidays? Here are five things to keep in mind before, during, and after the big gathering.

A family of four in New York City makes $497,911 a year but pays $1,574 a month to live in public housing in a three-bedroom apartment subsidized by taxpayers. In Los Angeles, a family of five that’s lived in public housing since 1974 made $204,784 last year but paid $1,091 for a four-bedroom apartment. And, a tenant with…

Dear AOA: I am writing this letter to let you know about my recent business transaction with Klarise Yahya. I recently did a building refinance/buy-out using Ms.Yahya’s services. My experience with her was extraordinary! I am not a new owner, but it is not my primary business, therefore I needed some expertise and guidance. Klarise…