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
Industry Insights
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…
Industry Insights
Legislative bill charts by year
Legislation for 2024 Legislation for 2023
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…
Industry Insights
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…
Industry Insights
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…
Industry Insights
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…
