Eviction Service

This article outlines a landlord’s options in situations where the tenant has breached an obligation to pay for utilities.  Can the security deposit be used to cover that obligation?  Can the landlord pursue an eviction against the tenant based on unpaid utility bills?  What other rights and obligations may a landlord have when the tenant…

The high cost of living in California has prompted many homeowners to seek extra income by renting out part of their home to an individual while continuing to live in the unrented portion.  This type of landlord-tenant relationship is commonly known as a “single family lodger” arrangement. Evicting a “lodger” under California law is easier…

Landlords owe certain duties to their tenants, including the obligation to provide a habitable premises to the tenant.  Tenants also have legal obligations arising out of the rental arrangement, including the duty to keep the unit in a clean and habitable condition.  This article explores the interplay of these respective obligations when the unit has…

Squatters create serious problems for landlords in California and elsewhere.  If you own rental property, it’s important for you to be able to identify squatters, understand how to prevent the problem, and know how to get rid of them when they refuse to leave the rental unit.  Who is a Squatter? A squatter is an…

At some point during the landlord-tenant relationship you may be faced with a tenant’s request to lease part or all of the premises to a third party.  For example, the tenant may find it necessary to cover monthly rent payments due to an extended absence from the dwelling, or a tenant may want to create…

Over the past decade hoarding has officially been considered a disability under state and federal anti-discrimination laws.  In the context of a hoarding case, the law requires the landlord to provide a “reasonable accommodation” to the tenant in an effort to solve the problem.  The landlord’s failure to do so creates a defense to an…

Messy tenants can be problematic for landlords and other tenants residing in nearby units.  Competing considerations are at play, namely, the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the premises and the landlord’s right to protect the unit from diminishing in value due to the tenant’s negligence.  This article provides guidance on how to deal with…

Collecting rent on time is a fundamental component of a successful rental property business.  All rental contracts should include a clause specifying how, when, and where monthly rent must be paid.  Here are the choices available to California landlords, and suggestions on which option may make the most sense for you.    Collect in Person…

What are the landlord’s and tenant’s respective rights and obligations when it comes to making repairs to the rental unit? The short answer is that landlords generally have a legal obligation to make repairs and maintain rental property and must follow the law when it comes to entering rented property to make repairs. There are,…

Tenants have a right to fit and habitable housing, which includes living in a dwelling free of bed bugs. Left untreated, your tenant might be able to break their lease because of a bed bug problem, especially if they can prove the bugs were there before they moved in.  Here’s how to deal with a…