Contact Your Assembly Member and Urge Them to Vote “No” Many California rental housing providers may not realize that emergency price-gouging laws can restrict rents during a declared emergency. Under California Penal Code Section 396, when a qualifying emergency is declared, businesses generally may not increase prices for specified goods and services by more than… Read More
California Legislative Update: What SB 493 Could Mean for Rental Housing Providers
August 18, 2026 by
Six Things I Learned from Small Claims Court
June 26, 2026 by
Recently, I had the opportunity to defend one of my security deposit deductions in small claims court. While I have been managing property for more than 20 years, I don’t often find myself in court over security deposits. Most disagreements are resolved through communication and compromise. In this case, however, a former tenant sued over… Read More
How San Francisco Landlords Should Vote in the June 2026 Election
May 21, 2026 by
These recommendations for the June 2, 2026 election reflect a political philosophy centered on property rights, economic growth, housing stability, and opposition to policies that landlords believe increase the cost and risk of operating rental housing in San Francisco. For many landlords, especially small property owners, these endorsements are not simply partisan choices — they… Read More
Proposed Rental Application Legislation Could Create New Risks for Housing Providers
March 27, 2026 by
California continues to move toward increased regulation of the rental application process, with recent legislation and proposals aimed at making tenant screening more “fair” and accessible. While the intent may be to reduce costs and barriers for applicants, housing providers should be aware of the unintended consequences and growing risks these policies create. Recent changes,… Read More
Don’t Ignore Hoarding — Address It Compassionately
November 21, 2025 by
As a landlord or property manager in San Francisco, you may encounter a tenant whose unit shows signs of hoarding or excessive clutter. While it can be tempting to avoid the topic — hoping it will “just take care of itself” — ignoring the issue isn’t a viable option. Not only can hoarding lead to… Read More
Building Better Tenant Relationships Through Communication
October 13, 2025 by
A Long-Term Relationship Worth Investing In A tenant relationship can be one of the longest professional relationships you’ll have — sometimes lasting for years. That’s why it’s worth approaching tenant communication the way we approach any long-term partnership: with clarity, patience, and mutual respect. When tensions arise or misunderstandings occur, the key is not just… Read More
Flush for Cash: Save Your Heater, Save Your Wallet
September 24, 2025 by
For San Francisco landlords, a reliable water heater is essential. A failed tank means emergency calls, unhappy tenants, and a costly replacement that can run into the thousands. Many property owners remember when water heaters often lasted two decades. Today, a typical tank might show serious wear after just seven or eight years. Several factors… Read More
Plan Ahead: Big Reno = Big Electric
August 27, 2025 by
⚡ San Francisco Moves Toward a Natural Gas Ban in Major Renovations The City of San Francisco is taking another big step toward its climate goals. Lawmakers are advancing legislation that would ban the use of natural gas in major building renovations—defined as projects that affect more than two-thirds of a building’s structural elements. If… Read More
Update on Section 721 Building Facade Inspections
July 24, 2025 by
SB 721 Inspection Deadline Postponed: What San Francisco Landlords Need to Know About Deck and Balcony Compliance If you own a multi-unit residential building in San Francisco, there’s important news about SB 721, California’s law requiring inspections of elevated balconies, decks, and walkways. The original January 1, 2025 deadline for the first round of inspections… Read More
California Rent Control Update: New Allowable Rent Increase Amounts Published
June 23, 2025 by
Dear Landlords, As a reminder, California’s statewide rent control law (AB 1482) applies to most multi-family residential properties built more than 15 years ago that do not fall under local Rent Control. The law limits how much you can increase rent annually and restricts certain evictions. 🔺 New Allowable Rent Increase: Effective August 1, 2025… Read More