In the realm of property ownership, particularly in the rental market, the landscape is ever-evolving. One such evolution looming on the horizon is the proposed “Justice for Renters Act.” You may be inclined to brush it off, assuming it won’t affect you based on your current circumstances. However, delving deeper reveals a myriad of potential implications that could impact rental property owners across various spectrums. Here are five compelling reasons why every rental property owner should be wary: Broadening Rent Control Horizons At the forefront of concerns is the potential expansion of r ..read more

Assemblyman Alex Lee, representing San Jose, has introduced Assembly Bill 2304 (AB 2304) with the aim of broadening existing protections that conceal eviction filings, thus aiding tenants in sidestepping negative credit reports. Currently, California law only applies such safeguards to “limited” civil cases with claims under $35,000. However, AB 2304 seeks to extend these masking provisions to encompass all eviction cases, regardless of the claim amount. The original intention behind the “masking” law was to safeguard both landlords and tenants from unscrupulous attorneys who encouraged rente ..read more

A new bill in California, called AB 2785 and introduced by Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, is looking to make two big changes to rules about rental security deposits and the fees landlords charge for checking if someone can be a tenant. Here’s what it plans to do. Security Deposit Interest The bill says landlords must put tenants’ security deposits in a bank account that earns interest within 30 days of getting the money. If the law passes, landlords must give back the security deposit plus the earned interest when the tenant leaves. How Does AB 2785 Impact Just Cause Tenant Protections in the C ..read more

The proposed legislation, AB 2216, spearheaded by Assemblyman Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, in collaboration with the Humane Society of the United States, represents a significant shift in California’s rental housing policies regarding pets. This bill, if passed, would fundamentally alter the landscape for both renters and landlords by prohibiting blanket bans on pets within rental properties and preventing landlords from inquiring about pets during the rental application process. This initiative follows Haney’s successful passage of AB 12, which capped security deposits at one month’s rent, sh ..read more

The Glendale Rental Rights Program, initiated on March 14, 2019, comprises three distinct elements: Just Cause Eviction Ordinance Relocation Assistance Program Right to Lease Program Should you have inquiries regarding whether your property falls under the purview of this legislation or is exempt from any particular component of the Glendale Rental Rights Program, our assistance is available to you. Who is protected by the law? Tenants who live in a residential rental unit in the City of Glendale.  How are they protected? Tenants may only be evicted for specific “at fault” or “no-fault ..read more

The implied warranty of habitability is a crucial legal concept that places responsibilities on landlords to ensure that the rental premises are suitable for human habitation. This warranty is derived from a combination of sources, primarily state and local housing laws, and court decisions. Understanding the source of the warranty is essential as it determines the specific obligations and legal options available to tenants. State and Local Housing Laws Variability Across States The implied warranty of habitability is often tied to compliance with state or local housing codes. States like Idah ..read more

Evicting a roommate is a legal process that requires careful adherence to specific steps and regulations. Here’s an expanded explanation of the provided information. Provide Written Notice When deciding to evict a roommate, the first step is serving them with a written notice to leave the premises. This notice typically provides a window of 30 to 60 days, with the shorter duration applicable to month-to-month arrangements. This period allows the roommate time to address the issues causing the eviction or find alternative housing solutions. Unlawful Detainer Complaint If the roommate fails to v ..read more

The ability to unilaterally change the terms of a month-to-month agreement by providing a thirty-day notice of change of terms of tenancy grants landlords a certain degree of flexibility in adjusting the conditions of the rental agreement. This mechanism allows for a timely and transparent communication of modifications, fostering a sense of fairness between landlords and tenants. This privilege, however, is not applicable to fixed-term leases or leases within specific rent control jurisdictions. In these cases, any alterations to the terms would need to await the expiration of the lease. Onl ..read more

California’s groundbreaking move to potentially outlaw “digital discrimination” represents a significant step toward achieving digital equity and addressing the pervasive issue of the digital divide. The proposed bill, introduced to make the state the first to combat internet access discrimination based on income, race, and other protected traits, aligns with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new rules. The legislation aims to hold internet service providers accountable for their role in perpetuating slower and more expensive broadband services in low-income communities. By doing ..read more

The stopping of SB 466, a legislative proposal introduced by Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Hayward, signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over rent control policies in California. SB 466 targeted the modification of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, a landmark piece of legislation that delineates the guidelines for the implementation of local rent control ordinances by cities and counties. Sen. Wahab’s proposal aimed to usher in a significant shift in California’s rent control landscape by broadening the spectrum of housing types subject to these regulations. The Costa-Hawkins Act curren ..read more