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Managing property is no easy task. The list of things for which you are responsible is long and complex. Not only do you deal with building maintenance, but you may also be required to vet tenants and keep the books. You need a good understanding of landlord-tenant laws and the ability to handle people in tense situations. Needless to say, hardly a day goes by without some kind of problem. It probably doesn’t surprise you to know that other property managers deal with similar problems. While some issues may arise without warning, you can probably avoid or mitigate many others with careful planning. The physical property Some of the most common and costly difficulties include repairs and maintenance. Buildings and property infrastructure need constant attention to avoid sudden disasters like bursting pipes or leaking roofs. However, other costly repairs may be the result of destructive or negligent tenants. Repairing holes in the walls or replacing stained carpeting can put a dent in your maintenance budget. You may be able to reduce the strain on your finances if you plan ahead. For example, you may consider these options: Build a reserve account to cover unexpected repairs Create and sustain a preventative-maintenance plan Establish a security deposit fee that is sufficient to cover damage left by tenants Carefully screen tenants to avoid costly repairs in the first place You may not be able to prevent every surprise expense, but planning for predictable expenses may relieve some stress. Problems with tenants In addition to property, you likely deal with tenants. Residents who don’t pay on time may be the most frustrating problem a property manager encounters. Experienced property managers suggest using automatic debit withdrawals and even offering rent discounts to tenants who consistently pay on time. While you may have quiet, respectful renters, you probably have several who make your work difficult with their many complaints. No matter the reason for the complaints, handling them immediately is usually the best practice. It may also help to establish a set procedure for tenants to use when filing complaints so that frivolous gripes can be kept to a minimum. Advice you can depend on Sometimes these conflicts start small and escalate to costly litigation. Taking advantage of legal counsel early in a situation may help you avoid getting into circumstances that are over your head. An attorney with years of experience assisting property managers and owners can also assist you with rent collection issues and rental documents. With a lawyer on your side, you can have confidence in the sound advice you receive for any issue related to your job managing property.

Managing property is no easy task. The list of things for which you are responsible is long and complex. Not only do you deal with building maintenance, but you may also be required to vet tenants and keep the books. You need a good understanding of landlord-tenant laws and the ability to handle people in tense situations. Needless to say, hardly a day goes by without some kind of problem. It probably doesn’t surprise you to know that other property managers deal with similar problems. While some issues may arise without warning, you can probably avoid or mitigate many others with careful planning. The physical property Some of the most common and costly difficulties include repairs and maintenance. Buildings and property infrastructure need constant attention to avoid sudden disasters like bursting pipes or leaking roofs. However, other costly repairs may be the result of destructive or negligent tenants. Repairing holes in the walls or replacing stained carpeting can put a dent in your maintenance budget. You may be able to reduce the strain on your finances if you plan ahead. For example, you may consider these options: Build a reserve account to cover unexpected repairs Create and sustain a preventative-maintenance plan Establish a security deposit fee that is sufficient to cover damage left by tenants Carefully screen tenants to avoid costly repairs in the first place You may not be able to prevent every surprise expense, but planning for predictable expenses may relieve some stress. Problems with tenants In addition to property, you likely deal with tenants. Residents who don’t pay on time may be the most frustrating problem a property manager encounters. Experienced property managers suggest using automatic debit withdrawals and even offering rent discounts to tenants who consistently pay on time. While you may have quiet, respectful renters, you probably have several who make your work difficult with their many complaints. No matter the reason for the complaints, handling them immediately is usually the best practice. It may also help to establish a set procedure for tenants to use when filing complaints so that frivolous gripes can be kept to a minimum. Advice you can depend on Sometimes these conflicts start small and escalate to costly litigation. Taking advantage of legal counsel early in a situation may help you avoid getting into circumstances that are over your head. An attorney with years of experience assisting property managers and owners can also assist you with rent collection issues and rental documents. With a lawyer on your side, you can have confidence in the sound advice you receive for any issue related to your job managing property.

The real estate industry is constantly changing. While this can be an exciting element of the real estate management business, it can also be a challenging one. People who have experience managing property understand that legal issues concerning both property and tenants can crop up at virtually any time. This is an unquestionably challenging aspect of the job. A recent survey of multiple landlords and legal cases has helped to uncover some of the most common pressing issues facing people running their own real estate business. Please understand that if you are struggling with these issues that you are not alone. And also please consider the fact that you do not have to deal with these issues alone. An experienced real estate attorney can help you to navigate choppy legal waters regardless of the unique circumstances of any given situation. Debt Collection is an Overwhelming Issue Most of the problems that those running their own property management firm face has to do with the day to day management of the properties. The biggest problem that most landlords and managers faced was debt collection. The survey revealed that over two-thirds of landlords indicated that this was a major area of concern. When people sign a contract and get locked in at a certain rent schedule, it’s not unusual for people to lose a source of income and fail to pay on time. People might rent their property out to retailers who go out of business or to tenants who lose their jobs. When this happens, the income dries up and realtors often have trouble collecting their debts. Owners need to understand the various channels that are available for rent collection issues. Any questions or concerns about these options can be directed to an attorney for clarification. Injuries can Occur on Property A landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that real estate is a safe place to live and work. When tenants slip and fall on the property, some people might feel like suing the real estate property owner. In fact, more than two-thirds of people surveyed mentioned that they had ongoing problems with slip and fall accidents. This is a tricky area to navigate because there is always a debate regarding whether or not the accident could have been prevented by the landlord. This kind of legal ground is tough to navigate, especially when the rate of frivolous lawsuits goes up in a certain area due to a host of different factors. Lawsuits can wind up costing a real estate business a significant amount of money. Clearly, there are numerous problems that real estate managers can struggle with. It is important that anyone running their own real estate business contacts an experienced legal professional for guidance concerning these complex issues. Having the right legal aid can help identify problem areas and prevent these lawsuits from ever taking place or help real estate teams deal with a lawsuit that has already started. Without the proper assistance, these problems can turn into costly financial situations for everyone involved.

The real estate industry is constantly changing. While this can be an exciting element of the real estate management business, it can also be a challenging one. People who have experience managing property understand that legal issues concerning both property and tenants can crop up at virtually any time. This is an unquestionably challenging aspect of the job. A recent survey of multiple landlords and legal cases has helped to uncover some of the most common pressing issues facing people running their own real estate business. Please understand that if you are struggling with these issues that you are not alone. And also please consider the fact that you do not have to deal with these issues alone. An experienced real estate attorney can help you to navigate choppy legal waters regardless of the unique circumstances of any given situation. Debt Collection is an Overwhelming Issue Most of the problems that those running their own property management firm face has to do with the day to day management of the properties. The biggest problem that most landlords and managers faced was debt collection. The survey revealed that over two-thirds of landlords indicated that this was a major area of concern. When people sign a contract and get locked in at a certain rent schedule, it’s not unusual for people to lose a source of income and fail to pay on time. People might rent their property out to retailers who go out of business or to tenants who lose their jobs. When this happens, the income dries up and realtors often have trouble collecting their debts. Owners need to understand the various channels that are available for rent collection issues. Any questions or concerns about these options can be directed to an attorney for clarification. Injuries can Occur on Property A landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that real estate is a safe place to live and work. When tenants slip and fall on the property, some people might feel like suing the real estate property owner. In fact, more than two-thirds of people surveyed mentioned that they had ongoing problems with slip and fall accidents. This is a tricky area to navigate because there is always a debate regarding whether or not the accident could have been prevented by the landlord. This kind of legal ground is tough to navigate, especially when the rate of frivolous lawsuits goes up in a certain area due to a host of different factors. Lawsuits can wind up costing a real estate business a significant amount of money. Clearly, there are numerous problems that real estate managers can struggle with. It is important that anyone running their own real estate business contacts an experienced legal professional for guidance concerning these complex issues. Having the right legal aid can help identify problem areas and prevent these lawsuits from ever taking place or help real estate teams deal with a lawsuit that has already started. Without the proper assistance, these problems can turn into costly financial situations for everyone involved.

The real estate buying and selling process can be complicated for a wide range of reasons in Los Angeles. One common reason for a real estate dispute is a seller’s failure to disclose a defect in his or her property. A seller is obligated to disclose any potential problem to prospective purchasers that may impact the property’s value. Property owners generally must complete disclosures for any problems of which they are aware. Concealing major defects is deemed illegal. The state of California is particularly detailed about its disclosure requirements. Because home sellers do not always know about all of the defects their properties might have, it may behoove the potential buyer of a property to have a professional inspect this property. Sometimes the seller may have his or her own inspection done to find out the status of his or her property. If the seller’s inspector brings to his or her attention a problem, the seller must be prepared to disclose it if it has the potential to impact the home’s value. Sometimes sellers fail to adhere to laws requiring them to disclose serious issues with their homes. In these situations, it is within the right of a person who ends up buying a problem property to seek to hold the seller accountable through the civil court system. An understanding of what facts have to be proved in this type of real estate dispute will likely be essential to succeed in such a court case in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the state of California. Source: findlaw.com, “ Required Real Estate Disclosures When Selling Property “, Accessed on Jan. 12, 2017

The real estate buying and selling process can be complicated for a wide range of reasons in Los Angeles. One common reason for a real estate dispute is a seller’s failure to disclose a defect in his or her property. A seller is obligated to disclose any potential problem to prospective purchasers that may impact the property’s value. Property owners generally must complete disclosures for any problems of which they are aware. Concealing major defects is deemed illegal. The state of California is particularly detailed about its disclosure requirements. Because home sellers do not always know about all of the defects their properties might have, it may behoove the potential buyer of a property to have a professional inspect this property. Sometimes the seller may have his or her own inspection done to find out the status of his or her property. If the seller’s inspector brings to his or her attention a problem, the seller must be prepared to disclose it if it has the potential to impact the home’s value. Sometimes sellers fail to adhere to laws requiring them to disclose serious issues with their homes. In these situations, it is within the right of a person who ends up buying a problem property to seek to hold the seller accountable through the civil court system. An understanding of what facts have to be proved in this type of real estate dispute will likely be essential to succeed in such a court case in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the state of California. Source: findlaw.com, “ Required Real Estate Disclosures When Selling Property “, Accessed on Jan. 12, 2017

Real estate is a complex area for both a home seller and buyer, but it can be particularly challenging for the buyer. One area in which a real estate dispute may surface in Los Angeles or other parts of California involves construction defects. Typically, these cases are based on contracts between developers and homeowners. According to the law, the developer is obligated to exercise a reasonable degree of knowledge, care and skill when engaged in building practices. This is defined as the skill and knowledge that building professionals normally employ. The law extends the developer’s duty of care to any party who might foreseeably suffer an injury as a result of construction defects, which includes purchasers of the property. Homeowners may also decide to sue a developer for a breach of any obligations established in the purchase and sale documentation or in the escrow instructions. A breach of warranty on the part of a developer concerning the condition of the property may also be grounds for litigation. In addition, a developer may be sued for allegedly misrepresenting the quality of his or her construction intentionally, through false ads or other representations. One of a Los Angeles homebuyer’s worst fears may be hidden construction defects stemming from a developer’s negligence. Fortunately, the homebuyer has rights when this type of real estate dispute occurs. It’s possible to fight for one’s best interests with the right legal help in an effort to hold an irresponsible developer fully accountable for construction defects in California. Source: findlaw.com, “ Legal Liability for Construction Defects “, Accessed on Jan. 4, 2017

Real estate is a complex area for both a home seller and buyer, but it can be particularly challenging for the buyer. One area in which a real estate dispute may surface in Los Angeles or other parts of California involves construction defects. Typically, these cases are based on contracts between developers and homeowners. According to the law, the developer is obligated to exercise a reasonable degree of knowledge, care and skill when engaged in building practices. This is defined as the skill and knowledge that building professionals normally employ. The law extends the developer’s duty of care to any party who might foreseeably suffer an injury as a result of construction defects, which includes purchasers of the property. Homeowners may also decide to sue a developer for a breach of any obligations established in the purchase and sale documentation or in the escrow instructions. A breach of warranty on the part of a developer concerning the condition of the property may also be grounds for litigation. In addition, a developer may be sued for allegedly misrepresenting the quality of his or her construction intentionally, through false ads or other representations. One of a Los Angeles homebuyer’s worst fears may be hidden construction defects stemming from a developer’s negligence. Fortunately, the homebuyer has rights when this type of real estate dispute occurs. It’s possible to fight for one’s best interests with the right legal help in an effort to hold an irresponsible developer fully accountable for construction defects in California. Source: findlaw.com, “ Legal Liability for Construction Defects “, Accessed on Jan. 4, 2017

California has some of the strictest disclosure laws in the country. Along with the typical disclosures of flood risks, environmental concerns and issues with systems in the building, commercial property owners must also provide information on energy efficiency, disability access compliance and more. In 2015, the SB 1171 law was passed by the California state legislature. This re-categorized real property to include all commercial property. The law applies to selling commercial property and any lease that is more than one year. California disclosure requirements for commercial property Failure to disclose the following information about a commercial property can lead to serious issues and even litigation. Some of the key disclosures that must be made include: Water heater bracing Location of the property in a seismic hazard zone or earthquake fault zone Flood hazards and the need for flood insurance Location of a property in a Very High Fire Hazard Zone Wildland/urban interface area Earthquake safety improvements Mold presence Don’t take chances with disclosure requirements It’s important to work with someone who fully understands the extensive disclosure requirements in California. It’s also recommended that you over-disclose rather than omitting something that a party may have grounds to make a claim over in the future. While “as is” provisions in the real estate contract may seem like enough to avoid liability issues, this isn’t always the case. You can’t rely on this to help you avoid issues. Your role in commercial real estate disclosure If someone brings a failure to disclose a claim against you, it can cost time and money. You can avoid these situations by disclosing all required issues based on California’s law. Working with professionals to help with this is recommended.

California has some of the strictest disclosure laws in the country. Along with the typical disclosures of flood risks, environmental concerns and issues with systems in the building, commercial property owners must also provide information on energy efficiency, disability access compliance and more. In 2015, the SB 1171 law was passed by the California state legislature. This re-categorized real property to include all commercial property. The law applies to selling commercial property and any lease that is more than one year. California disclosure requirements for commercial property Failure to disclose the following information about a commercial property can lead to serious issues and even litigation. Some of the key disclosures that must be made include: Water heater bracing Location of the property in a seismic hazard zone or earthquake fault zone Flood hazards and the need for flood insurance Location of a property in a Very High Fire Hazard Zone Wildland/urban interface area Earthquake safety improvements Mold presence Don’t take chances with disclosure requirements It’s important to work with someone who fully understands the extensive disclosure requirements in California. It’s also recommended that you over-disclose rather than omitting something that a party may have grounds to make a claim over in the future. While “as is” provisions in the real estate contract may seem like enough to avoid liability issues, this isn’t always the case. You can’t rely on this to help you avoid issues. Your role in commercial real estate disclosure If someone brings a failure to disclose a claim against you, it can cost time and money. You can avoid these situations by disclosing all required issues based on California’s law. Working with professionals to help with this is recommended.

Every human being has a right to secure, safe and comfortable accommodation. However, not everyone can afford to own a home. As a result, most people live in rented properties. Both federal and California laws protect tenants from unfair actions (like race, gender, or religion-based discrimination) from their landlords. Thus, if your landlord discriminates against you on any basis, you need to seek justice and the resulting damages. Here are warning signs that your landlord (or potential landlord) could be discriminating against you. Your landlord is asking probing questions While every landlord has a right to know the individual they are renting their property to, certain questions can be improperly used to block you from renting the property in question. Some of the discriminating questions a landlord can ask while interrogating a potential tenant include: Are you planning to have more children? This question can come in a number of forms. Perhaps, the landlord has concerns about additional children on the property, or they are concerned that maternity leave could impact your finance and hinder your ability to pay rent. Reason notwithstanding, your family situation should never impact your candidacy for the rental property. What is your religion? The potential landlord can ask this question if they are biased towards or against people of a certain religion. However, the question is absolutely inappropriate and could amount to discrimination based on your religion. Your landlord is making suspicious remarks Sometimes, a potential landlord can make suspicious comments while discussing the tenancy subject with you. For instance, there is no problem with the landlord telling you that they do not have a vacant unit presently. However, if say this immediately after obtaining sensitive information from you (like your religion or sexual orientation), then this can raise suspicion of discrimination. If a prospective landlord discriminates against you, it is in your best interest that you take action.

Every human being has a right to secure, safe and comfortable accommodation. However, not everyone can afford to own a home. As a result, most people live in rented properties. Both federal and California laws protect tenants from unfair actions (like race, gender, or religion-based discrimination) from their landlords. Thus, if your landlord discriminates against you on any basis, you need to seek justice and the resulting damages. Here are warning signs that your landlord (or potential landlord) could be discriminating against you. Your landlord is asking probing questions While every landlord has a right to know the individual they are renting their property to, certain questions can be improperly used to block you from renting the property in question. Some of the discriminating questions a landlord can ask while interrogating a potential tenant include: Are you planning to have more children? This question can come in a number of forms. Perhaps, the landlord has concerns about additional children on the property, or they are concerned that maternity leave could impact your finance and hinder your ability to pay rent. Reason notwithstanding, your family situation should never impact your candidacy for the rental property. What is your religion? The potential landlord can ask this question if they are biased towards or against people of a certain religion. However, the question is absolutely inappropriate and could amount to discrimination based on your religion. Your landlord is making suspicious remarks Sometimes, a potential landlord can make suspicious comments while discussing the tenancy subject with you. For instance, there is no problem with the landlord telling you that they do not have a vacant unit presently. However, if say this immediately after obtaining sensitive information from you (like your religion or sexual orientation), then this can raise suspicion of discrimination. If a prospective landlord discriminates against you, it is in your best interest that you take action.