This is probably one of the most stressful conversations I have with property owners and landlords—individuals and property managers alike. Your tenant is complaining about mice, a broken sink, the light switches not working, mold growth, and a whole laundry list of items. These complaints might be occurring way before an eviction has ever started, [...]
Probably one of the biggest complaints I’ve been getting recently from landlords is that their tenants are running their electricity and gas all day and all night, and the landlord is getting a crazy PG&E bill. The typical question I get is how to force a tenant to pay the bill. Even worse, some landlords [...]
Several times, I've come across the situation of abandoned vehicles on rental property. Typically, this scenario arises after an eviction and a sheriff’s lockout, and the landlord finds a broken down vehicle in a garage or on the side of the building. I have gotten frantic calls from landlords and property managers about what to [...]
Probably one of the biggest problems we face in our office when dealing with landlord evictions are landlords that do not keep good records of how much rent has been collected and what is actually due. These landlords come to me, frustrated that their tenants are months behind in rent and causing all kinds of [...]
I have been getting this question over and over again about requiring residential tenants to get and maintain renter’s insurance. We go back and forth on this topic at the Board of Realtors. Here’s a case that could dampen the mood on this insurance issue, at least concerning whether you will be able to evict [...]
For those who like the scent of fresh air and the warmth of the sun when drying your clothes, you no longer have to fear your HOA or your landlord. California passed legislation last year that went into effect on January 1, 2016, as Civil Code sections 1940.20 and 4750.10, that you can hang your [...]
I get a lot of rolling eyes when I give my standard speech to landlords about dealing with tenant repair requests and habitability problems. I get questions, especially from landlords who are going through eviction proceedings, such as, “Do I have to go fix the broken item? The tenants haven’t paid rent in three months.” [...]
As many of you know, the housing market in the Bay Area has been, in one word, “crazy” with a shortage of housing units available for sale and rent. I was recently out and about looking at properties for sale when I spotted a big sign in the front yard of one of the listings. [...]
I get this all the time with clients who are landlords. If only I would have taken the time to order a credit report. If only I would have checked references. If only I would have required a full security deposit and not taken it in payments. If only … I would not be experiencing [...]
I have come across this question a lot from landlords and property managers who have provisions in their rental agreements to conduct an annual inspection or twice yearly inspections. The main reason for wanting an inspection is to make sure a rental unit does not fall into disrepair. But some landlords want to use inspections [...]
