As a property owner in California, staying compliant with evolving property laws is critical to protecting your investment and avoiding costly penalties. With frequent updates to rent control, tenant protections, and other regulations, navigating the legal landscape can be challenging. At McLean Company, we make it our priority to stay informed so you don’t have to. Here’s what you need to know about compliance and how we can help.
The Importance of Staying Compliant
Non-compliance with California property laws can lead to:
- Legal fines and penalties.
- Damage to your reputation as a landlord.
- Strained tenant relationships.
- Financial losses from lawsuits or tenant disputes.
- Understanding and following these laws is essential for safeguarding your property and maintaining a successful rental business.
Paying the rent on time means that there are never any hassles with trying to collect rent, arguments over late fees, and no months without rental income. If they can follow the rules in the rental agreement, property owners don’t have to worry about additional damage or problems with the neighbors. In addition, good tenants don’t create problems during their tenancy. While every renter has routine maintenance requests at times, good tenants don’t go out of their way to find problems in a property or create issues.
Key Areas of Compliance in California
When finding excellent residents, it’s worth the time and effort to keep them through more than one lease term. Whenever a property has to be shown to find a new resident, a landlord loses rental income and faces costs to market the property and get it ready for new tenants. Keeping a good tenant happy means getting to skip the hassle and expense of reshowing a property and avoiding the issues associated with putting a potentially bad renter into the property.
Rent Control Regulations
Laws like the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) set caps on annual rent increases and establish “just cause” requirements for evictions. McLean Company ensures your property complies with all rent control laws to avoid penalties.
Security Deposit Rules
California limits security deposits to two months’ rent for unfurnished properties and three months for furnished ones. Additionally, landlords must provide an itemized list of any deductions and return deposits within 21 days. We manage these details to keep you compliant.
Tenant Privacy Rights
Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies. McLean Company ensures proper tenant communication to respect privacy laws and maintain positive relationships.
Fair Housing Compliance
If a rate increase causes concern with a resident, consider waiving application fees or other incentives to encourage them to stay. In addition, benefits such as allowing a pet or small upgrades to appliances or fixtures in the unit can justify a rate increase for your renter.
Eviction Procedures
Evictions in California must follow strict legal protocols, including proper notice periods and documentation. McLean Company handles eviction processes professionally and in compliance with all legal requirements.
How McLean Company Helps Property Owners Stay Compliant
1. Keeping You Informed:
We stay updated on changes to property laws and regulations, ensuring your property is always in compliance.
2. Professional Lease Management:
Our team creates and manages legally sound lease agreements that protect both you and your tenants.
3. Risk Mitigation:
By proactively addressing potential issues and handling disputes with professionalism, we help you avoid costly legal challenges.
4. Expert Tenant Relations:
We maintain clear and consistent communication with tenants, ensuring a positive and legally compliant relationship.
