If you own property or manage one for someone else, then you’ll need to know the rules that govern properties in California. Here’s a few of the things you need to know:
Rent control
In Berkeley, the Rent Stabilization Board sets the rules for rent control. So make sure any increase or decrease in rent follow these rules. Otherwise, you could get slapped with a ton of fines. If you aren’t sure what the rules are, reach out to a lawyer and ask.
Renovations
Unless required to keep building standards up to code, you cannot have your units remodeled while a tenant is in residence.
Evictions
In California, landlords and property managers have the right to serve an eviction notice without the 30-day notice. But that’s only applicable to tenants who are on a month-to-month tenancy basis. For tenants who’ve been residing in the unit for a year or more, you’ll need to observe the 30-day notice. If you don’t, you could end up an illegal eviction. Ask an eviction attorney in Berkeley for more details.
Bad tenants
Have non-paying tenants? Too much noise? Bad and annoying tenants are a normal part of life for landlords and property managers. By consulting with an eviction attorney in Berkeley, you’ll know what kind of measures you can take to get those bad tenants out the door much sooner rather than later.
Repairs
You’ll need to keep the apartment or property you rent out in good condition. That means if there’s a cracked window, peeling paint or bad leaks, you’ll need to cover the costs of those repairs and have them done as soon as possible. If you don’t and your tenants get hurt or impaired as a result of any accident resulting from defective areas of the home, then you could end up paying for their medical expenses. So do those repairs before these things happen.
If there’s anything you don’t understand, contact a lawyer for help.
