Local legislative bodies have virtually unfettered discretion to adopt business licensing laws. In light of the fiscal crises that have inundated local communities, elected officials continue to look for additional…
Industry Insights
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SB 1157 (Bradford), passed by the California Legislature and signed by the Governor in 2020, created Civil Code Section 1954.06. This new law requires that, beginning July 1, 2021, any…
California law requires residential rental property owners to deliver and maintain their rental units in a habitable condition, this legal principle is called the warranty of habitability. Though originally created…
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Legislative bill charts by year
Legislation for 2024 Legislation for 2023 Legislation for 2022 Legislation for 2021
Industry Insights
Oakland’s Tenant Anti-Harassment Law – The Tenant Protection Ordinance
On November 5, 2014, the Oakland City Council adopted the Tenant Protection Ordinance (TPO) (Oakland Municipal Code Sec. 8.22.600, et seq.). The TPO is meant to deter harassment of residents…
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Plumbing Fixtures: Retrofits
The Legislature has proactively initiated water conservation measures for residential housing. SB 407 (Padilla), signed by the Governor in September of 2009, institutes specific time frames for which residential properties…
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Political Signs at Rental Property
With some exceptions, a landlord cannot prohibit a tenant from posting or displaying political signs that relate to any of the following: An election or legislative vote, including an election…
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Rent Control: Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act
In 1995, the California Legislature passed and the Governor signed AB 1164 – a law that is known as the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. This law cleared the way for…
Industry Insights
Telephone Wiring and Fees
The California Legislature passed Civil Code Section 1941.4 in the wake of telecommunications deregulation as a way to clarify the responsibilities of residential rental property owners for the telephone wiring…
Industry Insights
Utility Service Bills: Tenant Responsibility
In 1996, the California Apartment Association sponsored legislation that was signed into law by the Governor. It prohibits a municipal corporation or a municipal utility district that owns or operates…
