On Jan. 1, 2018, numerous laws relevant to the rental housing industry took effect in California. In the paragraphs below, we summarize the most significant of these laws for the rental property owners. 1) IMMIGRATION STATUS Targeting discrimination: Under AB 291, dubbed the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, a landlord could face civil penalties if he… Read More
New Fire Safety Ordinance
January 13, 2017 by
In August 2016, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed new legislation aimed at promoting fire and life safety, reducing the risk of fires and preventing property damage from fires. The new laws, which have been incorporated into the San Francisco Fire Code, establish new requirements for residential building owners. The new requirements include having… Read More
Annual Building Inspection Checklist
September 26, 2016 by
As the active rental season ends, but before the busy holiday season starts, I want to take this opportunity to remind all my clients and contacts to inspect their buildings to make sure they comply with all habitability requirements and have no issues that pose a threat to the continuity of their buildings or the… Read More
California Apartment Association Working to Passthrough Legislation to Support Landlords
April 25, 2016 by
The California Apartment Association is working with the California State Legislature to passthrough legislation that would benefit landlords. Several pro-housing bills made progress this week by making their way out of their respective committees. Legislation affecting density, including the legalization of in-law units, is included in the legislation, which would make it easier for property owners… Read More
Understanding “Rent Ordinance 2.0”
March 24, 2016 by
On September 9, 2015, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed amendments to the Rent Ordinance expanding tenant rights even further. Supervisor Jane Kim’s legislation, which further expanded tenant rights is now known as Rent Ordinance 2.0. If you thought being a landlord under the original version was difficult, 2.0 has more obstacles to navigate…. Read More
New Landlord Laws for 2016
January 14, 2016 by
Along with the new year and resolutions, always comes new laws for landlords. Below, please find a summary of those new laws that may affect you. AFFORDABLE HOUSING Community Revitalization Authority Assembly Bill 2 (D-Alejo) AB 2 allows specified “disadvantaged” areas of California to create a new entity called a Community Revitalization Investment Authority. The… Read More
San Francisco 2015 Ballot Issues that Affect Landlords
October 13, 2015 by
The November 3 ballot is teeming with issues with outcomes that will affect property owners. While several of the propositions seem worthy of your vote on the surface, digging a little deeper reveals that the result of their passage may not have the intended effects. See how Lingsch Realty voted below. Prop A: Affordable Housing… Read More
Preparing for El Nino
September 17, 2015 by
El Nino is a weather pattern produced by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. The El Nino phenomenon is associated with extreme weather around the globe. In California, it typically means a wet winter with higher than normal rain levels. An El Nino is predicted for this winter continuing into 2016. In order… Read More