16 December

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Repair and Deduct in California: When Tenants Can Fix Issues and Deduct Rent

California tenants deserve a safe place to call home. When things break, your landlord usually holds the responsibility to fix them promptly. Sometimes, slumlords ignore repair requests and leave families living with unsafe conditions. State laws provide a specific remedy for this frustrating situation. In some cases, you can pay for critical repairs yourself and subtract that cost from your next rental payment. This process requires following strict rules to avoid the risk of eviction. In this guide, we explain how California’s repair-and-deduct law works, when it is safe to use, and when it may be time to speak with a...

05 December

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Can a Landlord Charge for Cleaning in California: What’s Fair and What’s Not

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant Law

Moving out of a rental unit involves significant effort and planning. You likely worry about getting your full security deposit back from the property manager. Many renters feel uncertain about what expenses a building owner can legally deduct. California law offers specific protections regarding your money and the condition of the apartment. This guide explains exactly when you might be billed for scrubbing the premises. We will explore statutory limits on deductions and your rights as a tenant. Understanding these rules helps you protect your finances during a relocation and recognize when it may be time to talk to a slumlord...

04 December

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Security Deposit Return in California: How to Make Sure You Get It Back

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant Law

Moving brings excitement and financial pressure. You paid a large sum before receiving the keys. That money legally belongs to you if you follow specific rules. Many renters assume refunds happen automatically. Unfortunately, misunderstandings often arise regarding property conditions. Learning how to get a security deposit back requires knowing state rights. California statutes protect tenants who understand regulations. Civil Code §1950.5 dictates strict timelines and permissible deductions. Ignorance of these codes often leads to lost funds. This guide breaks down legal requirements into actionable steps. You will discover actions that maximize refund chances and understand when it may be time to...

13 November

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Store Liability for Customer Injuries in California: Your Legal Rights and Next Steps

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Premises Liability

An injury inside a retail location can be shocking, painful, and confusing. You may immediately wonder about your rights and whether you should consult a premises liability lawyer. What happens when you are injured in a store? This guide explains store liability in California, including when a business may be responsible and how to protect your health and preserve your claim. Understanding your legal rights is the first critical step. The information here will help you make informed decisions if you have been hurt on someone else’s property. We will explore California’s premises liability laws, the process of proving negligence, and...

07 November

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Tenant Buyouts in California: Laws, Risks, and How to Negotiate Fairly

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant Law

Tenant buyouts can feel confusing, especially when you are facing a move or dealing with pressure from a landlord. This guide explains everything you need to know about tenant buyouts in California, including what they are, how the process works, and what laws protect you. It also outlines how to review an agreement, what typical payment ranges look like in major cities, and where to find reliable legal help before signing anything. If you are unsure whether to accept an offer or suspect that your landlord may be acting unfairly, it can help to speak with a lawyer who understands tenant...

06 November

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Can a Security Deposit Be Used for Unpaid Rent in California: What Tenants and Landlords Should Know

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant Law

Many California renters want to know if a landlord can use the security deposit for unpaid rent when the tenancy ends. Owners want to know the same thing because rent loss hurts cash flow. California law allows using a security deposit to cover unpaid rent, but it only allows it in specific, documented situations, and it requires the landlord to follow the 21-day return rule, provide an itemized statement, and stay within the list of lawful deductions under Civil Code 1950.5. When a landlord withholds money in a way that looks retaliatory or abusive, tenants sometimes consult a slumlord lawyer to...

29 October

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Premises Liability vs Personal Liability in California: Insurance Coverage & Legal Rights

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Premises Liability

premises liability vs personal liability

If you were hurt at a rental, in a store, or by someone’s careless act, the next step is sorting out who is legally responsible and which policy applies. A tenant lawyer looks at two paths: a property hazard that points to premises liability, or conduct that points to personal liability. California’s Civil Code §1714 sets the duty of ordinary care, pure comparative negligence divides fault, and CCP §335.1 sets a two-year clock. This guide provides clear definitions, everyday examples, insurance basics for homeowners and renters policies, and landlords, and practical steps to preserve proof. Read on to see how these...

29 October

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Premises Liability Settlements in California: Average Payouts & Timelines

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Premises Liability

California premises liability settlements compensate people injured by unsafe property conditions, and the value turns on injury severity, fault, and insurance limits. This guide walks through average settlement ranges, the factors that shape negotiations, and realistic timelines from injury to resolution. You will see plain-English summaries of key California laws, examples of high and low outcomes, and a clear comparison of settling versus going to trial. If you rent, a tenant lawyer can help document proof and set expectations, so you can move into the details with a grounded plan. California Premises Liability Settlements Quickly Explained California premises liability settlements compensate people injured...

29 October

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Premises Liability Lawsuits in California: What Injured Tenants & Visitors Need to Know

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Premises Liability

A premises liability lawsuit gives injured tenants and visitors a path to recover money for harm caused by unsafe property conditions. This guide explains the steps that move a claim forward, the laws that control timing and duty, the local rules that affect Los Angeles renters, and how a California tenant lawyer can protect your rights. You will find clear examples, a practical elements table, concise action steps after an accident, and an FAQ. By the end, you will understand how evidence, deadlines, and negotiation shape outcomes, including whether a case ends in a premises liability settlement or proceeds to trial. Quick...

15 October

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California Rent Increase Notice: Rules, Timelines & Tenant Rights

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law, Tenant lawyers in California, United States

Home office desk with rent increase notice paperwork, laptop, and coffee cup by a sunny window.

Rent changes can feel sudden, so clear rules matter. This guide explains how a rent increase notice in California works, the required advance notice a landlord must provide, the implications of AB 1482’s rent caps, and how local rent control in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley is implemented. You will see exactly when a 30-day notice applies, when a longer notice is required, what a valid notice must include, and how to respond if the paperwork contains errors or if you need help from a tenant-rights lawyer to deal with an abusive landlord. Practical examples, a side-by-side table,...

Author: eric_castelblanco