The California Smoke Alarm Safety Act mandates that all residential properties must have State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms to protect occupants from fire hazards. This guide, among other things, outlines…
Industry Insights
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Industry Insights
Foreclosures and Rental Housing
Since early 2007, the mortgage industry melt-down has generated an unprecedented number of foreclosures in California. While the greatest impact has been on owner-occupied, single family homes, some experts estimate…
Industry Insights
Foreign Language Rental Agreements and Leases
California’s growing population diversity presents some challenges for business owners who attempt to communicate with non-English speaking clients or customers. According to United States Census data, the top five languages…
Industry Insights
Grills and Barbecues at Rental Property
Every three years, California cities update their building and fire safety codes. The California Building Standards Commission adopted most of the rules from the International Fire Code. The rules included…
Industry Insights
Guests at Rental Property
A rental housing owner may set reasonable standards by which a tenant’s guest will be considered a resident. The length of time a guest may stay with a tenant is…
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
Hazardous Waste: Household Materials
It is unlawful for any person to place “universal wastes” in the trash. Universal wastes include common batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermostats, electronic devices (TVs, Cell phones, VCRs). These…
Industry Insights
Identity Theft: Federal Red Flag Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a rule that imposes additional duties on rental property owners and management companies to help combat identity theft. Entitled “Identity Theft Red Flags…
Industry Insights
Immigration Law and its Effect on Property Owners
California law extends its civil rights law to individuals regardless of citizenship, primary language, or immigration status. These protections were enhanced, effective January 2018 by AB 291 (Chiu). This Industry…
Industry Insights
Inspections: Residential Rental Housing
Numerous communities throughout California have either adopted or are considering residential rental housing inspection ordinances. The typical ordinance imposes a fee on property owners, followed by an inspection of the…
