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Top 5 Landlord Laws to Remember

Dustin Edwards • March 2, 2023

Laws Are Important to Remember When Having Tenants

California is well known for having some of the most strict laws regarding rental properties, and many are designed to protect the tenants. When renting properties, you must keep a few in mind to avoid legal headaches, especially if you decide to manage your properties. 


Below are 5 of the top laws you should always remember when renting your property.


Rent Control

One of the most delicate laws regarding landlords, rent control is more than simply restricting how much you can charge for rent. Some of these laws are designed to restrict the conditions in which you can terminate month-to-month rental agreements and whether or not to renew leases. Generally, every city with rent control ordinances has vocal groups of tenants that monitor court decisions and proposed ballot amendments that may affect the ordinance. Ensuring you understand and follow the ever-changing landscape of rent control ordinances can be difficult. However, a full-service property management company can help keep track of these laws. 


Security Deposit Laws

Some of the most significant disputes between tenants and landlords are disputes about security deposits. Many items, such as natural wear and tear versus property damage, can and cannot be included in the deposit. A tenant can't be found liable for paint fading in the rental, while unauthorized repainting or water damage from indoor plants can. Knowing deposit limits and providing tenants with an itemized security deposit can help avoid disputes. However, conflicts may still occur.


Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent in California

Tenants have the right to withhold rent from a landlord in California If the property conditions become inhabitable and the landlord has had reasonable time to repair the issue. This is where property management companies with plentiful resources can be helpful. Tenants can't normally withhold rent from the landlord for minor repairs, though alternative options exist to look for help.         


California Termination and Eviction Rules

Laws in California are incredibly strict when it comes to landlords terminating a tenancy. Specific circumstances dictate when and how a landlord can begin the eviction process. Ignoring these legal rules can lead to potentially extensive delays in the process. Eviction processes can take up to 30 - 45 days, sometimes longer. Oftentimes the tenant has to do something to breach the lease agreement, which needs to be communicated to them. If they fail to fix the issue or move out, you can proceed through the courts to get them to move out.


California Rules About Landlords' Access to Property

Although you may own the property, there are many rights to privacy for your tenant. You may enter without prior notice in emergencies that threaten lives or property. Except for emergencies and court orders, nearly every other reason to enter requires at least 24hrs prior notice. Failure to follow these laws can result in the tenant being able to call law enforcement.


Required Landlord Disclosures in California.

Landlords are required to provide potential tenants with an extensive list of disclosures, though many of these are straightforward, such as the landlord's address, phone number, and full name. As well as disclosing the database of California’s registered sex offenders and information on bedbugs and how to report them. Certain disclosures are only required if they are relevant to the property, such as smoking policies, pest control notices, and potential flooding areas.


Many more laws need to be followed by tenants, and a management company to suit your needs can help you with resources you may not have on your own. If you feel like Beach Cities Management is the right property management company for you, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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