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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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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the notice of eviction of tenants hangs on the door of the house

She Came In Through The School Year Window – OMI Timing Constraints – Act Now!

The San Francisco Rent Ordinance allows certain owners the ability to recover tenant-occupied rental units for personal use, thereby terminating the tenancy of all occupants. However, there are significant limitations on how and when an owner can per… Read More
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Key and sticker with inscription rent control pinned to the board.

Concord Rent and Eviction Control: Measures with Potential Ripple Effects

Last month, the Concord City Council passed its “Residential Tenant Protection Program” a highly debated rent control and “just cause” eviction ordinance that allows for greater renter protections. The effects of the ordinance will be felt by… Read More
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Model of house and gavel. Real estate law concept.

"Justice for Renters Act" Seeks to Repeal Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act

Michael Weinstein, through his AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is leading the “Justice for Renters Act,” the most recent attempt to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. Costa-Hawkins is a state law that places strict limits on a city’s abil… Read More
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Real estate agent talked about the terms of the home purchase agreement and asked the customer to sign the documents to make the contract legally, Home sales and home insurance concept.

AB 1620 (2023) Opens the Door for Local Governments To Compel the Rental of “Accessible Floor” Units

An amendment to the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act will make significant changes to the reasonable accommodation, interactive process with respect to a tenant with a permanent physical disability who seeks to move into an equal or smaller unit. Cos… Read More
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Wooden houses with yellow arrows up. housing boom, property market growing, high demand for real estate, house prices rising concept

Time to Increase the Rent for Your San Francisco Rental? Dos and Don’ts.

Some landlords have patiently waited for the post era of the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their tenants’ rent. While these landlords are eager to proceed with rent increases, it is . . . Read More
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