Failure to Pay a Security Deposit It is unwise for landlords to lease a unit without first obtaining the required security deposit. Promises to pay the security deposit at a later time or in installments, will usually result in an eviction action being filed. If this is your situation, be advised that you do not…
Comfort Pets Check out this commonplace occurrence. A prospective tenant fills out an application and indicated that she has no pets. A lease is signed which states that this is a “no pet” building. After the deal is consummated, the tenant presents a letter from a doctor who indicates that she has a disability and…
Bed Bugs California Law enacted in July 2017 requires landlords to follow certain guidelines for bed bugs. Specifically, the law states the following:
Laundry Leases When you purchase a building, you are subject to all existing leases. Laundry leases entered into by the previous owner now become your lease upon purchase. Typically, leases like this should have been disclosed during the escrow process. Many laundry leases have very long terms and grant the laundry company additional option periods…
Rent Increases Limited to 10% During Declared State of Emergencies The statute applies immediately after the President of the United States, the Governor of California, or city or county executive officer declares a state of emergency resulting from any natural or manmade disaster, such as an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, or storm. In that instance,…
Accepting Rent If you serve a Notice to Quit on your tenant, you cannot accept rent past the expiration of that notice. Acceptance of the rent would invalidate your termination notice. If the tenant tenders you the full rental amount, you cannot accept it and then tender back that portion which extends beyond the expiration…
Sub Meters Many times tenants, who are not responsible for their water usage, will waste water. Either they will allow the water to just run or fail to report leaks.
Excessive Complaints Can Be a Nuisance We all have experienced tenants that are hypersensitive. They will complain on almost any issue. While a tenant certainly has the right to express displeasure, these actions may rise to the level of a nuisance. For example, a tenant cannot retaliate against another resident based on perceived excess noise. If…
Requiring a Tenant to Perform Certain Maintenance Many times, a landlord will require a tenant to perform gardening or pool service, as a condition of their tenancy. In some cases, a rent credit is afforded to compensate the tenant.
Tenant Abandoning If you suspect that your tenant has abandoned your unit, you have the right to enter to confirm it. You should serve a 24-hour notice to enter the dwelling by posting it on the front door. You should only enter during normal business hours and days, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5…