Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it so important to have a landlord/tenant attorney since the California Tenant Protection Act took effect?

Landlord/tenant attorney guidance was important even before the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, also known as AB 1482. But this act created even stricter rules that California residential landlords must follow. It took effect on January 1, 2020, and the law imposes requirements on certain evictions and imparts rent caps on certain housing.

What is the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act?

The State of California enacted the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act in 1995. This law limits some municipal rent control ordinances. It is one of the state’s most well-known statutes for limiting the control of municipalities over their rental markets. We can help you understand what the law means for you and your property.

What is the California Civil Code 1950.5 and how does it affect me?

The California Civil Code 1950.5 covers the laws pertaining to residential properties used as dwellings for a tenant. As a landlord, this legislation is what dictates most of your legal obligations. It is extraordinarily complex and very binding, so we advise any owner of residential real estate to seek the advice of an attorney when dealing with most matters involving residential rentals.

Do you serve landlords anywhere in California?

Yes. Lloyd Winter, P.C. represents residential landlords across California. Our clients often appreciate that technology allows them to not have to drive to our physical offices for their landlord tenant attorney needs.

What are the protected classes in California?

As a landlord in California, you may not discriminate based on race, color, religion, familial status, marital status, age, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, source of income, disability, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, primary language spoken, immigration status, or citizenship.

You may face significant legal repercussions if you violate the rights of anyone in these protected classes as a landlord. It is imperative that you understand what practices are discriminatory, and we can help ensure your leases and contracts do not reflect any kind of discriminatory practices.

Why shouldn’t I use a standard residential lease that I find on the internet?

Existing California residential rental laws were complicated by newer laws such as the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019. These laws mean that not all residential housing in our state follows the same specifications.

When we draft a lease, we consider all your specific needs including how new laws pertain to your property. Our expertise with residential leases allows us to consider protections that may not be provided in the standard fill-in-the-blank leases that you can find online. Additionally, our expertise ensures that your lease follows all applicable laws so that you can maintain compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.

Do your prices include expenses?

Lloyd Winter, P.C. provides monthly billing plans that allow landlords to budget their legal costs, but these packages do not include expenses which include but are not limited to motion fees, process server fees, filing fees, mileage expenses, court reporter fees, etc.