Both parts available on demand

California landlords received step-by-step instruction on habitability standards, entry rights, rent increases, lease renewals, terminations, and difficult tenant situations during Part 2 of the California Apartment Association’s Landlord 101 webinar series this week. 

Hosted by Whitney Prout, executive vice president of legal affairs for the association, the session featured CAA attorneys Monica Deka and Mallory Homewood. Like Part 1, the 90-minute course provided a high-level overview of key legal responsibilities and pointed members to forms, Industry Insight papers, and on-demand classes for more detail. 

“This course is designed as a high-level overview of the most important topics landlords need to know,” Deka said. By the end of the two-part webinar series, participants will have a working knowledge of the key issues so they can spot potential problems and know when to get more information or professional guidance. “The idea is to take things that might be unknown unknowns now and turn them into known unknowns,” she added. 

Key takeaways from Part 2 

While the webinar covered much more detail, a few highlights included: 

• Habitability: Every rental unit must be safe, sanitary, and fit to live in. Landlords have a continuing obligation to make timely repairs, while tenants must keep units clean and avoid creating hazards. Documenting all repairs is critical. 

• Right of entry: Landlords may enter only for specific reasons spelled out in law, such as emergencies, repairs, or showing a unit, and generally must provide written notice. Periodic “check-ins” are not permitted without tenant consent. 

• Rent increases: State law under AB 1482 caps annual increases at 5% plus inflation, up to 10%. Local rent control ordinances and anti-price gouging laws tied to emergency declarations may impose stricter limits. 

• Lease renewals and terminations: Rules depend on whether AB 1482 or a local just cause ordinance applies. In many cases, landlords cannot end a tenancy or decline to renew a lease without a valid legal reason. 

• Difficult situations: Presenters explained protections for victims of domestic violence, a tenant’s right to call police, and common issues with roommates. 

Both parts now available 

With Part 1 and Part 2 now complete, members can watch the full Landlord 101 series on demand. Sessions may be purchased individually or as a discounted bundle, and Certified California Rental Housing Providers can earn continuing education credit. Those who purchase the bundle now have immediate access to both sessions. 

👉 Purchase Part 1 on demand
👉 Purchase Part 2 on demand
👉 Bundle both sessions