California law seems to prohibit rental agreements from compelling mandatory arbitration of disputes. However, there is a conflict between two laws that the courts have not yet resolved. California Civil Code section 1953 states “any provisions of a lease or … Read More »

California law allows a residential tenant to make repairs and then deduct the cost from her monthly rent. This is commonly known as repair and deduct. However, certain procedures must be followed before this action can be taken. For example, … Read More »

In San Francisco, a person who originally signs a lease with the landlord is usually called the original occupant or master tenant. Sometimes, the master tenant has subtenants, who might be accepted as authorized tenants by the landlord. According to … Read More »

In California, every rental agreement contains the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. ‘Implied’ means even if the covenant is not explicitedly stated in the lease it still exists. This covenant means that landlord cannot do two things. The landlord cannot … Read More »

As a renter, you probably believe you do not need renters insurance. After all, your landlord has building insurance. You are wrong. A landlord’s property insurance does not usually cover tenant’s personal property. If there is a fire, theft or … Read More »

You believe your home has serious violations of the housing code.  But you are not certain.  How can you tell?  “Substantial” compliance is the standard.  Landlords are not required to have their properties in a “perfect, aesthetically pleasing” condition.  In … Read More »

The burst of the housing bubble is hurting tenants as more people decide not to buy homes.  In 2004, before the Great Recession, the percentage of Americans who were homeowners was 69 percent.  Now according to the New York Times, … Read More »