In California, landlords cannot simply terminate a residential lease without a legally recognized reason. If you need to reclaim a property from a tenant, you must do so with strict adherence to state laws. Understanding the specific grounds for no-fault evictions...
Landlord-Tenant Law
What are your rights as a tenant in California?
Renting a home in California often comes with important protections you could benefit from. Whether you are signing your first lease or you have been renting for years, knowing your rights may help you avoid disputes and receive fair treatment from your landlord....
4 common property disputes every landlord should know
Owning and managing rental property in California is not always predictable. Even landlords with multiple properties can be caught off guard when laws shift or a disagreement starts to build. What begins as a minor issue with rent, repairs or a lease term can quickly...
Do drill holes automatically forfeit a tenant’s security deposit?
As a landlord, preparing for a tenant moving out can keep you rather busy. While inspecting your unit, you may notice several drill holes in the walls.Maybe the occupant hung shelves or mounted a television. Does this mean you can keep their security deposit?...
Are landlords allowed to enter your unit without notice?
A landlord can’t enter your unit without advance notice unless there’s a real emergency. California law sets strict limits on how and when they’re allowed inside, and if they ignore those rules, you don’t have to let it slide. Here’s how to recognize a violation and...
Am I personally liable if my business breaks its lease?
You may find yourself in a position where your business needs to vacate its premises early. A major concern for many tenants is determining if the remaining debt belongs solely to the company or if it extends to their personal finances. The answer often depends on the...
Overview of California’s security deposit laws
Landlords in California are allowed under state law to ask for a security deposit. However, California regulates this common practice, at least for residential rental properties. According to the Office of the Attorney General, here are some highlights of California’s...
Why your self-serve lease might not be adequate
With the rise of artificial intelligence, there are more ways than ever for landlords or would-be landlords to self-service their own legal needs, especially with respect to drawing up a lease agreement and related documents. There have been form leases available for...
A summary of California law governing security deposits
Most landlords in San Francisco require prospective tenants to deposit a specified amount of money as a security deposit for unpaid rent and damage to the premises. The terms of the deposit should be spelled out in the lease, but California statutes impose certain...
Can landlords use security deposits to pay for repairs?
The security deposit is a sum that represents trust between landlord and tenant. Yet, it often becomes a source of dispute at the end of a lease. Can landlords dip into these funds to cover repair costs? Security deposits serve as a financial safety net for landlords...