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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
