Frequently Asked Questions about Tenant Issues
How many days do I have to refund the tenants security deposit in California?
21 days from the date of possession for residential property. 30 days from the date of possession for commercial property.
Can I do a notice of change of terms that the tenant has to get renters insurance in a property that’s under rent control?
No, you cannot change any of the terms in rent control from the original contract other than a rent increase, a deposit increase or a mandated disclosures such as bedbugs, lead-based paint, asbestos or attorneys fees clause. No other terms can be changed.
Can a prospective applicant submit a note to have an emotional support animal that is written by their attorney and not their doctor?
Yes, the department of fair housing states that the note must come from a licensed professional aware of their medical condition and their need for an animal. So it could be from an attorney, a life coach, a priest, a real estate broker or any licensed professional aware of their medical condition and their need for the animal.
Are there laws in 2020 for Section-8 that I need to know?
Double and triple check to make sure you are NOT advertising that you do not accept Section-8. SB 329 made it illegal to reject prospective tenants solely based on their enrollment of Section-8 federal housing voucher program. In simple terms: It’s discrimination against source of income.
Making this mistake can be very expensive. This also applies to veterans with SB 222 and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers aka VASH.