Security deposit

New (and Old) Requirements for Handling Residential Security Deposits

AB 2801, which became effective on January 1, 2025, imposes new requirements on landlords of residential properties. AB 2801 amended Section 1950.5 of the Civil Code, which regulates the amount and disposition of security deposits. What’s New? Begi… Read More
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Man signing signing an eviction notice to a defaulting renter in due to missed rent in recession

The Slowdown of the Eviction Process Caused by AB 2347 and How to Best Manage It

For decades, property owners in California have provided housing with the assurance that if their renters failed or refused to pay rent on time, they would have an expedited means of recovering possession of their property. While that generally remai… Read More
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Closeup lawyer or insurance agent pointing at contract showing male client where to signature sign

Navigating Arbitration Clauses in Residential Construction Contracts

As a homeowner in California, there may come a point when you want to remodel part of your house, or even rebuild entirely. Maybe you want to construct a new deck, upgrade your existing landscaping, or build a custom home on a vacant parcel of land.… Read More
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Real estate investment, Home Economy,

AB 2747: California To Require Positive Credit Reporting for Timely Rent Payments

California now requires landlords to offer positive credit reporting to their tenants who make timely payments. AB 2747, sponsored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, is intended to help renters build credit, where their rent payments are commonly their la… Read More
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Book with title Landlord-Tenant Law and a gavel.

Zacks & Freedman PC’s Clients Prevail in Their Challenge to San Francisco’s Attempt to Interfere With State Unlawful Detainer Timelines

In the California First District Court of Appeal case SFAA v. CCSF, Zacks & Freedman’s clients, and landlords throughout California, enjoyed a big win against San Francisco this month, in the City’s most recent attempt to stifle landlords… Read More
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Businessman in suit in his office showing an insurance policy and pointing with a pen where the policyholder must to sign. Insurance agent presentation and consulting insurance detail to customer.

You Are a Landlord and Got Sued by Your Tenant – Now What?

You’re a California landlord. A good one. You own a nice building with good apartments. You provide housing for people who need it. You are attentive to your tenants. You make repairs when tenants notify you. You don’t raise the rent more than is… Read More
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San Francisco street view

Navigating the Implied Warranty of Habitability and Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment in San Francisco

In San Francisco, every lease and rental agreement includes an implied warranty of habitability and a covenant of quiet enjoyment. As a landlord or property owner, understanding these concepts is crucial to maintaining positive tenant relationships a… Read More
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Lawyers are mediating disputes and providing legal advice.

“Mediation Magic”: Judge David A. Garcia (R) Shares His Approach to Conflict Resolution*

Our housing providers hone best practices and find ways to mediate conflict. Still, it takes a degree of luck to stay out of litigation these days—a prospect made more daunting where insurance carriers are receding from our industry. Conflicts are… Read More
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Abandoned Housing Units

Creating a Tenancy-in-Common Property

Tenancies-in-common (TICs) are among the most popular forms of shared property ownership in San Francisco. Following sweeping changes to condominium conversion rules over the last decade, which have discouraged (or outright banned) property owners fr… Read More
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Court of Law and Justice Trial Session: Imparcial Honorable Judge Pronouncing Sentence, striking Gavel. Focus on Mallet, Hammer. Cinematic Shot of Dramatic Not Guilty Verdict. Close-up Shot.

The Landlord Who Could Neither Exit Nor Remain in the Rental Business: The Hobson’s Choice of the Recent Barrington Plaza Case

California’s Ellis Act was enacted in 1985 to enable landlords who find themselves in financially or otherwise unmanageable situations to exit the rental business. It came about as a response to a particular Santa Monica landlord’s desire to demo… Read More
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