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Top 5 Landlord Laws to Remember

Dustin Edwards • Mar 02, 2023

Laws Are Important to Remember When Having Tenants

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.


Rent Control

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. 


Security Deposit 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.


Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent in California

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.         


California Termination and Eviction Rules

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.


California Rules About Landlords' Access to Property

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.


Required Landlord Disclosures in California.

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.

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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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