AWB Law, P.C.

Are Residential Landlords Required to Accommodate Disabled Tenants?

State and federal laws cover housing discrimination and those with disabilities. Depending on the nature of the disability and the requested accommodation, you may be legally required to provide it. Your obligation to accommodate the tenant has limits, so you may not need to do what they ask, but you should try to work out a compromise that meets their needs without being an undue burden for you.

Are you a residential landlord with questions about accommodating a tenant with a disability or need representation in a matter involving one? Call the AWB Law, P.C. team at (949) 244-4207 or complete our online contact form today. We can advise you on protecting your rights and ensuring your actions comply with applicable laws and city ordinances.

(Read more on the blog https://awblawpc.com/must-i-accommodate-a-disabled-tenant/

My Tenant, The Hoarder

Landlords want to avoid many issues, like bad plumbing, a leaky roof, or a tenant whose Harley-Davidson needs a muffler. Add to the list a tenant who hoards possessions (maybe even pets) to the point the unit is unsafe, unsanitary, and creates problems for other tenants. You can be proactive to lessen this risk or address the issue before it becomes a crisis.

Read more on our blog:

My Tenant, The Hoarder - AWB LAW, P.C. Landlords want to avoid many issues, like bad plumbing, a leaky roof, or a tenant whose Harley-Davidson needs a muffler. Add to the list a tenant who hoards possessions (maybe even pets) to the point the unit is unsafe, unsanitary, and creates problems for other tenants. You can be proactive...

Landlords want to avoid many issues, like bad plumbing, a leaky roof, or a tenant whose Harley-Davidson needs a muffler. Add to the list a tenant who hoards possessions (maybe even pets) to the point the unit is unsafe, unsanitary, and creates problems for other tenants. You can be proactive to lessen this risk or address the issue before it becomes a crisis.

If you have questions about hoarding, what you can do to prevent it, and your options if it happens in one of your units, call the AWB Law PC team at (949) 244-4207

My Tenant, The Hoarder - AWB LAW, P.C. Landlords want to avoid many issues, like bad plumbing, a leaky roof, or a tenant whose Harley-Davidson needs a muffler. Add to the list a tenant who hoards possessions (maybe even pets) to the point the unit is unsafe, unsanitary, and creates problems for other tenants. You can be proactive...

Our team of expert attorneys specializes in real estate law, from lease disputes to seamless closings. Let us guide you through every step with precision and professionalism. Contact us today at (949) 244-4207.

Disputes are bound to come up in any business relationship. Each tenant and landlord has their own approach to resolving differences, and how well they work varies depending on the issue and the person involved. If severe enough, a dispute may result in some legal action, but that’s an expensive and time-consuming approach you should try to avoid.

If you’re a residential landlord and need help resolving a tenant dispute, call the AWB Law, P.C. team at (949) 244-4207

Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Strategies for Resolving Conflict Amicably and Legally - AWB LAW, P.C. Disputes are bound to come up in any business relationship. Each tenant and landlord has their own approach to resolving differences, and how well they work varies depending on the issue and the person involved. If severe enough, a dispute may result in some legal action, but that’s an expensive.....

Smooth negotiations, solid deals. Your Lease Dispute Lawyer—where every term sets the stage for tranquility. Contact us today at (949) 244-4207.

Unlocking the doors to your dream property with legal precision. Your Real Estate Contract Lawyer—turning contracts into keys! Visit https://awblawpc.com to learn more.

Navigating landlord-tenant disputes or closing on your dream property? Our team of expert attorneys specializes in real estate law, from lease disputes to seamless closings. Let us guide you through every step with precision and professionalism. Visit https://awblawpc.com/ to learn more.

Attention real estate professionals! Ensure your transactions are legally sound with the assistance of our skilled attorneys. Visit https://awblawpc.com/ to learn more about our real estate law expertise or call us at (949) 244-4207 to discuss your needs.

Dreaming of owning your own piece of commercial real estate? Let us help turn that dream into reality! We specialize in real estate law and can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions. Contact us today at (949) 244-4207.

Protect your real estate investments with the help of our dedicated team. From contract negotiations to property disputes, we've got you covered. Visit our website https://awblawpc.com/ or give us a call at (949) 244-4207 to schedule a consultation.

Navigating the complexities of real estate law just got easier! Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing property, our expert attorneys are here to guide you through every step. Call us today at (949) 244-4207 to learn more.

Heavy rain, landslides, and flooding! Oh my! That was Orange County’s story in early February as biblical amounts of rain fell from the sky. Los Angeles averages about 14 inches of rain annually, and half that amount fell in two days. That water had to go somewhere, and a lot of it ended up in rental properties. Who’s responsible for repairing the damage? Landlords, who ideally have insurance that will pay for it.

California law states a landlord must maintain their premises so it’s fit for human habitation and in substantial compliance with applicable health and safety laws. This includes making necessary repairs for damage caused by natural disasters like floods.

Read more on the blog!

https://awblawpc.com/landlords-are-responsible-for-repairing-flood-damage/

Landlords have many reasons to want a tenant to leave, but they may not be grounds for eviction. Smart landlords avoid breaking the law by harassing tenants, changing locks, or stopping maintenance or repairs. If you have enough resources or are willing to forgo unpaid rent, you can negotiate a payment in exchange for a tenant’s giving up their rights.

You may love your home or office, but nearly everyone has their price when it comes to real estate. If offered enough money, would you move? The answer for most of us is yes. This includes your tenants.

Read more on our blog: https://awblawpc.com/want-a-tenant-to-leave-but-you-cant-evict-them-cash-for-keys-may-be-the-solution/

You rent space in a building. It’s very valuable. Who’s in that space and what they do there may mean the difference between a positive relationship and cash flow or a difficult relationship and losing money. You need to protect that space and your ability to make a living. If the situation goes sour for you, you may be tempted to change the locks and force the person out. As good as that may feel, it’s not a good idea.

If you’re a residential landlord and have questions about lock changes, evictions, or domestic violence involving a tenant, or you’ll need representation in related litigation, call the team at AWB Law, P.C. at (949) 244-4207 or complete our online contact form today.

https://awblawpc.com/changing-your-tenants-locks-dos-and-donts/

What do you do when your tenant breaks the rules? That depends on how often they’re broken and the rules’ importance. A chronic problem is much more severe than a one-time or sporadic lease breach. It’s up to you to balance your tolerance and the hassle of enforcing the lease.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about how you should handle a tenant breaching their lease, call the AWB Law PC team at (949) 244-4207 or fill out our online contact form today. We can discuss the situation, how state laws may apply, and how best to proceed.

Should I Enforce My Lease? - AWB LAW, P.C. What do you do when your tenant breaks the rules? That depends on how often they’re broken and the rules’ importance. A chronic problem is much more severe than a one-time or sporadic lease breach. It’s up to you to balance your tolerance and the hassle of enforcing the lease....

Several tenant protections were created due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, notably the inability of landlords to evict tenants in several situations. An initiative by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to help “Mom and Pop” landlords with $45 million in grants sounded good when it passed in January, but nothing’s happened since.

More on the blog!

What Happened to LA County’s $45 Million “Mom & Pop” Landlord Relief Program? - AWB LAW, P.C. Several tenant protections were created due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, notably the inability of landlords to evict tenants in several situations. An initiative by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to help “Mom and Pop” landlords with $45 million in grants sound...

Landlords, except those considered “Mom and Pop” landlords, will have tenant security deposits capped at one month’s rent, down from the current law’s limit of two months for unfinished units, three months if they’re furnished, starting in July. These amounts don’t include the first month’s rent. The new law makes no distinction based on furnishings.

California’s current security deposit limit for unfurnished apartments began in 1977, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Since then, the median rental price of a California one-bedroom apartment increased by about 673%.

If you’re a residential landlord and have questions about security deposits or you need representation in related litigation, call the team at AWB Law, P.C. at (949) 244-4207 or complete our online contact form today.

https://awblawpc.com/california-security-deposit-law-changes/

Given how critical housing issues have become, it should be no surprise that Governor Newsom signed more than 60 housing-related bills in 2023. Many of them build on prior legislation, expanding their effect and reach. Others took local programs and will bring them statewide.

Read more about what's to come in 2024 on the blog
https://awblawpc.com/state-housing-bills-signed-into-law-in-2023-what-to-expect-for-next-year/

Property owners commonly charge fees for legitimate reasons, while others charge them to increase revenue. If all the fees were reflected in the rent, it would increase, and the price would be less competitive. Thanks to a bill signed into law in October by Governor Newsom, starting in July, you must clearly notify tenants and potential tenants the fees they may be charged.

https://awblawpc.com/do-you-charge-junk-fees-if-so-starting-next-year-you-must-clearly-inform-tenants/

If your building was constructed during or before the early 1980s, there’s a chance there’s asbestos in it. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that’s been used in thousands of products for hundreds of years. Some of those products were used in residential homes and apartment buildings. Asbestos is a public health hazard because exposure may lead to chronic and fatal conditions, so it’s best to avoid being around it.

If you’re a residential landlord with questions or concerns about asbestos in your building or need legal representation, call the legal team at AWB Law at (949) 244-4207

https://awblawpc.com/theres-asbestos-in-my-building-must-i-tell-tenants/

Property owners should take reasonable steps to prevent someone from slipping and falling in an area that’s their responsibility. You may face one of these legal actions despite your efforts or because a plaintiff makes a baseless claim.

If you have questions or concerns about premises liability or believe your insurance company is wrongly denying a claim for an injury on your property, call the team at AWB Law, PC at (949) 244-4207

https://awblawpc.com/what-defenses-might-i-have-for-a-slip-and-fall-lawsuit/

Are you truly at home if you can’t quietly enjoy it? Renters, even in a major city, have a right to quietly enjoy their units, thanks to California law. Landlords need to protect these rights, or, in the worst case scenario, it may be a valid reason for a tenant to quit their property and stop paying you rent. Quiet enjoyment isn’t limited to preventing loud, obtrusive sounds but the tenant being physically bothered.

If you have any questions about what you need to do to ensure a tenant’s quiet enjoyment of their unit, or if a tenant claims you’re not doing enough, call the AWB Law, PC team at (949) 244-4207

https://awblawpc.com/what-is-the-quiet-enjoyment-of-a-rental-unit/

Your tenant is responsible for paying for repairing and cleaning anything beyond ordinary wear and tear to the unit. Anything that falls with ordinary wear and tear is your responsibility. Some tenants damage property, while some landlords deduct the costs from security deposits for regular cleaning and maintenance. Where’s the line between “ordinary wear and tear” and damage?

If you’re a residential landlord with questions or concerns or need legal representation because of a security deposit dispute, call the legal team at AWB Law at (949) 244-4207

https://awblawpc.com/what-is-ordinary-wear-and-tear/

Have Legal Issues? Discussing Them on Social Media is Not a Good Idea

We all need to vent, and there are times when we have important questions that need answers. But if you’re in a situation that might result in legal action, whether you’re the person filing it (the plaintiff) or the person accused of wrongdoing (the defendant), turning to social media is not a good idea.

There are many social media platforms, some of which include groups of landlords so they can discuss issues. Some platforms also offer opportunities for people to discuss legal challenges they face with people who may be lawyers, or they play one on the internet.

If you’re a residential landlord and have questions about the law or need representation in a legal matter, AWB Law can help. More on the blog!

https://awblawpc.com/have-legal-issues-discussing-them-on-social-media-is-not-a-good-idea/

Cockroaches and other pests are a fact of life when you own rental property. That doesn’t mean they should be ignored because if the problem becomes severe enough, a tenant may claim they’ve been constructively evicted because the unit’s uninhabitable.

If you’re a residential landlord and facing an infestation of insects or vermin, AWB Law can discuss your obligations and how to avoid legal conflicts that may result. Call AWB Law, PC at (949) 244-4207

https://awblawpc.com/unwanted-guests-cockroaches/

The income from rent keeps buildings maintained and repaired and puts money in landlords’ pockets. There are statewide and local ordinances regulating rent increases, so you’re not in a business where you can freely increase prices as you see fit. You can try to maximize your income while complying with legal limitations and what the market will bear.

If you’re a residential landlord with questions about rent increased or are involved in a dispute with a tenant who claims you illegally raised their rent, call AWB Law, PC at (949) 244-4207

Read more on the blog!
https://awblawpc.com/rent-control/

Involvement with illegal drugs is a valid reason to evict a tenant. You’ll need proof this is happening before you act, but failing to protect yourself and other tenants can put you in legal, if not criminal, jeopardy.

If you think a tenant’s involved in breaking the law, call the team at AWB Law, PC at (949) 244-4207 or fill out our online contact form today. We can discuss your situation, how laws may apply, and how best to proceed.

More on the blog!
https://awblawpc.com/tenants-and-illegal-drugs/

As the property owner leasing out residential space to the public, you have legal obligations under California statutes, common law (law developed through court decisions), and local ordinances. They won’t disappear if you contract with a property management company.

You are responsible and potentially liable for your actions or failure to act as they pertain to your property. This is true whether or not a management company is involved. They will never agree to pay or take responsibility for a property owner’s mistakes (if they do, they won’t be in business very long). Given that fact, strictly speaking, creating this relationship won’t reduce your possible liabilities.

If you’re a residential landlord considering hiring a property management company or having problems with one, AWB Law can help. We can discuss your goals, concerns, and what you should do next. Call AWB Law, PC at (949) 244-4207