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Security deposits: tenants’ rights and responsibilities
When renting a property, landlords often require tenants to pay a security deposit. This deposit acts as protection for the property owner in case of any damage or unpaid rent. But there are instances when tenants may not receive the full security deposit after the tenancy has ended. If you doubt whether you are receiving the right amount, the California Security deposit law can help you. It outlines the rules for landlords when returning and deducting any money from your sec

NewPoint Legal Team
Jun 25, 20232 min read


What is the difference between leases and rental agreements?
Tenant issues are a complex field of law in the state of California. While the idea of a tenant renting from a landlord may seem simple, conflicts that do not have clear resolutions may need to be settled in court. You should also be aware that the state has clear legal distinctions between leases and rental agreements. What you have can determine your rights under the law. What is a lease? A lease is an agreement between a landlord and tenant that can exist in either written

NewPoint Legal Team
Jun 5, 20232 min read


5 reasons that renters move
There are various reasons for California renters to move out of their homes. While many of these reasons are entirely out of their control, renters often move based on personal preference. Understanding these reasons allows landlords to understand better what their tenants are looking for in a home. Rent is too high Perhaps the most important thing on the list of tenant matters is rent. No matter how nice a property is, people won’t want to rent it if the monthly rent is too

NewPoint Legal Team
May 25, 20232 min read


How tenancy in common differs from joint tenancy arrangements
In California, people or companies quickly buy available properties in the state’s hot real estate market. However, one person might need financial assistance to purchase a property or land for sale. In these situations, another party might help someone buy property or land in exchange for shared ownership. A legal arrangement called “tenancy in common” could be the perfect solution when deciding ownership percentages. Understanding tenancy in common Tenancy in common is a le

NewPoint Legal Team
May 23, 20232 min read


Potential risks of renting by the room in California
The California Budget & Policy Center reports that 17 million Californians live on rental property. Considering that, it’s no surprise that California real estate is lucrative. If you own residential property, you might be interested in renting it out. You may also consider renting individual rooms to several tenants. Receiving multiple rent payments is a plus, but there are risks with multiple tenants. Temporary tenants Most landlords like it when tenants stay around – espec

NewPoint Legal Team
May 11, 20232 min read


Understanding a landlord’s obligations under the law
California landlords and renters need to be aware of a landlord’s responsibilities. Unfortunately, landlord/tenant relationships can sometimes experience friction. Understanding the role of a landlord, as well as his or her legal obligations, are often critical in navigating conflicts. Landlord/tenant matters can go beyond the basics, but in all cases, a landlord has significant responsibilities. These include managing deposits and maintaining rental properties. Initial oblig

NewPoint Legal Team
May 1, 20232 min read


The need to negotiate a commercial lease
Anyone interested in renting commercial property must take steps to protect their financial interests. Signing a lease for inappropriate property or paying too much rent could undermine any positive economic outcomes for the California business. Signing an unfavorable contract would be equally unhelpful, so negotiating a proper lease could be a good idea. Preliminary steps Performing necessary research into the rental market might be a vital step to take at first. Potential r

NewPoint Legal Team
Mar 6, 20232 min read


What can you do if your landlord sells your rental home?
If you’re like many Californians, you rent instead of own. However, if your landlord suddenly decides to sell your home, it can create fear and confusion. This is what to know if you’re in this situation and what you can do. Understanding what can happen if your landlord sells Landlords are well within their legal rights when they wish to sell; they can do so regardless of how many tenants rent within their property. Depending on your lease, this situation can have different

NewPoint Legal Team
Jan 17, 20232 min read


Qualities landlords want in a tenant
Landlords in California have a lot of work to do. Ultimately, they want tenants who are going to mean as little work for them as possible. This means someone they can trust to pay the rent on time, won’t damage the property and won’t cause issues with the other tenants. Of course, landlords can’t know the future, but they can look into the past of potential tenants to seek out patterns. For potential tenants, this means opening themselves up to a fair amount of scrutiny. As p

NewPoint Legal Team
Jan 5, 20232 min read
Crucial steps when renting by the room
Private homeowners in California have to follow certain guidelines when renting by a room. An independent landlord has to compete with owners of hotels, hostels and other homeowners. There are several considerations to make when working to profit from residential real estate. Costs There are correct costs for renting out a room based on the type of residence, its size, value and the range of amenities. The rates for condos, apartments, townhouses and single-family homes vary

NewPoint Legal Team
Dec 21, 20221 min read
Disputes involving security deposits
When a tenant moves out of a rental unit in California, the landlord and tenant have to resolve the matter of the tenant’s security deposit. If the tenant hasn’t broken the terms of the rental agreement, the landlord is obligated to return the security deposit. However, if the tenant has violated the terms of the lease in some way, the landlord is able to withhold part or all of the security deposit to cover the repair of damage to the property, cleaning services, back rent o

NewPoint Legal Team
Nov 17, 20222 min read
2018 Guide to Landlord Rights in California
Renting out an apartment or commercial property takes more than just handing the keys over to a tenant. The relationship between landlord and tenant requires following state and federal laws strictly. California is a state that protects and upholds the tenant’s rights. In fact, it would seem property and contract law were designed only with the tenant’s right in mind. However, tenants do not have unlimited power. There are rights that landlords can enforce to prevent tenants

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20224 min read
When Can a Tenant Legally Break a Lease in California?
As a landlord, it can be frustrating to balance a budget with an apartment or commercial property that is only partially full, and finding replacement tenants for tenants who break their lease can be a slow process. If you own a commercial property, an apartment building, or another property management company, it is very important to understand when your tenants can legally break their leases, and what options you have when they break a lease. For a free consultation on your

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20224 min read
Can a Tenant Evict Another Tenant Without the Landlord’s Permission in California?
Some of the worst issues for landlords and property management companies are managing disputes between tenants and their neighbors, or even between roommates in the same unit. While this seems like the job of a camp counselor or a dorm room RA, it often does become a legal issue that can bog-down your apartment building or commercial property operations. Our Roseville business lawyers and landlord-tenant lawyers at the NewPoint Law Group, LLP can help you understand your resp

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20224 min read
Can a Renter Claim Property Tax Credits or Deductions in California?
While millions of people call California home, high demand for real estate along with a high cost of living result in many Californians opting to rent an apartment, condominium, or home instead of purchasing one. Renting property rather than purchasing property can provide an individual with greater flexibility. Not only can they avoid saving for a large down payment on a property, but they can also avoid the responsibilities of home or property ownership. Renting can allow p

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20223 min read
7 Legal Reasons to Evict a Tenant in California Through an Unlawful Detainer Action
While the overheated real estate market is a problem for some, landlords and property owners in California have a highly profitable opportunity to rent their home, condominium, or apartment. Tenants can occupy an array of structures; however, the most common landlord-tenant relationship is when a person rents an apartment from an individual landlord or from a property management company. The second most common landlord-tenant relationship is probably individuals who rent a si

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20223 min read
What Role Does the Sheriff Play in a Residential Tenant Eviction in California?
Most landlords are aware that, in California, a sheriff plays a major role in an unlawful detainer action filed to evict a residential tenant. While most landlords understand that the sheriff will play an essential role in this process, they may not realize that they can provide additional direction to the sheriff regarding how he or she should proceed. In many cases, engaging with the sheriff before he or she arrives to remove a tenant can provide significant advantages for

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20223 min read
When Must a California Landlord Serve a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit in a Residential Lease?
If the tenant has fallen behind in the payment of rent, and there are no other reasons to evict the tenant, the landlord should serve on the tenant a Notice to Pay or Quit. This notice essentially states that the tenant must pay the past due rent within three days of receipt of the notice or he or she must vacate the premises. The written lease will dictate when the rent is due and whether there is a grace period between when the rent is due and when payment is considered l

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20225 min read
How Long Does It Take to Evict a Residential Tenant in California?
For many landlords, the amount of time they can expect a residential eviction to take is the foremost question on their mind when a tenant overstays their lease or when other serious issues arise. This is a common question for which the answer depends on a number of factors including the fact that the landlord’s bottom line can be significantly affected by tenant who refuses to respect the terms set forth in the lease. The California landlord tenant lawyer of the NewPoint Law

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20224 min read
What Are Posting Orders in California and When Are They Required in an Unlawful Detainer Action?
Residential landlords seeking to remove or evict a problem tenant in California are generally aware that notification must be provided before an unlawful detainer action can proceed. However, some landlords may fail to take these actions and expose themselves or their property management company to potential legal liability while opening the door to a number of defenses by the tenant. A landlord tenant lawyer of the NewPoint Law group can assist residential landlords handle e

NewPoint Legal Team
Jul 27, 20223 min read
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