Probably the number-one problem in landlord-tenant cases is a problem tenant. Usually, the problems begin with tenants who are either late with their rental payments or stop paying rent after the first few months of the rental relationship. Other times, tenants may move in problematic “guests,” which leads to complaints from neighbors. A majority of [...]
In celebration of our new website look, we wanted to bring back our weekly blog posts. Today’s topic is one that many of us think about from time to time. However, it’s something that we put off working on, and as you can guess, it’s about estate planning. In this latest series of posts, I [...]
https://youtu.be/l8M6j4Ytdo8 A video advisory for landlords and property managers to be on the lookout for fraudulent rental paystubs.
Myth #1. Unlawful detainers are informal hearings just like small claims cases I see on TV or at my local courthouse. This is far from the truth. Small claims court does have procedures designed to let everyday people resolve disputes quickly without the hassle of costly litigation. But unlawful detainer cases in California are like [...]
Landlords beware! You still have the obligation to provide your tenants with an accounting of their security deposit, even if you file an unlawful detainer action and the court awards you a money judgment for past due rent. Failure to send an accounting of the use of a security deposit within 21 days as prescribed [...]
Is it wise to ignore a credit card lawsuit? In many cases, it is not wise to do so. If you ignore a credit card lawsuit, the bank can get a court judgment within as little as 30 days after you are served a summons and complaint. Here is what’s worse. Not only do these [...]
Over the course of the year, I get complaints by landlords about how their tenants are not paying rent or how something has gone wrong in the landlord-tenant relationship. Although you can never eliminate all potential problems in a landlord-tenant relationship, you can set up your relationship for success if you, the landlord, conduct proper [...]
I remember driving back home from a visit with my wife's family on Interstate I-10 in the middle of nowhere someplace in West Texas when we both heard the news on the radio that a 9.0 earthquake struck Japan. I remember this moment distinctly because as my wife and I made the 1700 mile trek back [...]
Many landlords may not know the importance of having a Prejudgment Claim of Right of Possession served with their unlawful detainer summons and complaint or how this special form prevents delays in the eviction process. The delay comes after the landlord receives a judgment for possession of the property and the county sheriff goes to [...]
As a landlord, whether as an individual property owner or licensed property manager who has many properties, you may choose to run your property management business under a fictitious business name. However, if you choose to do so, make sure it is properly registered, and remember to pay the fees to maintain it. Failure to [...]
