26 September

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What to Do if Your Landlord Enters Without Permission in California

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

Woman tenant worried about privacy and tenant rights in California rental property.

If your landlord enters without warning, it can make you feel unsafe in your own home. This guide explains your rights as a California tenant, including when landlords are allowed to access a unit and the steps you can take to stop repeated intrusions. It also covers practical solutions, from sending written notices to pursuing legal remedies if the problem continues. When an unlawful entry is linked to harassment or poor living conditions, consulting with a slumlord lawyer can be a crucial step in addressing both privacy violations and habitability concerns. As you read, you’ll learn how the 24-hour notice rule...

26 September

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What Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit in California? Know Your Rights Before Moving Out

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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

Security deposit money protected with lock and house symbol, illustrating landlord deductions and tenant rights in California.

Moving out of a rental home often comes with questions about what will happen to your security deposit. Many tenants don’t know what landlords can legally deduct or must return.In California, the law provides renters with clear protections and guidelines for security deposits. Knowing the rules helps you avoid surprise charges and plan a smooth move-out. This guide shows what landlords can deduct, what counts as wear and tear, and how to fight unfair charges. In cases involving harassment, unsafe conditions, or repeated violations, speaking with a slumlord lawyer can help you address both deposit disputes and broader issues with your...

01 September

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Renters’ Rights to Air Conditioning in California: Repairs, Timelines & Legal Options

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Sin categoría, Tenant Law

California tenant standing in an apartment doorway fanning themselves in extreme heat, illustrating unhealthy living conditions without air conditioning.

California summers get very hot, and many renters are unsure whether landlords must provide or fix air conditioning. Cooling feels like a basic right, but California law does not treat AC the same as heat or water. This guide explains how California handles renters’ rights to air conditioning, repair timelines, and when landlords are legally responsible. We’ll cover what the law requires, how to request repairs, and what options exist if a landlord refuses to act. You’ll also learn about legal remedies such as repair-and-deduct, rent withholding, and contacting local housing authorities. In more serious cases where unsafe conditions persist, renters sometimes...

29 August

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Can I Sue My Landlord for Mold in California – and How Long Do They Have to Fix It?

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

Concerned tenant standing near mold-damaged wall in rental apartment

Mold in a rental unit can trigger more than allergies. It often raises serious legal questions for tenants. In California, renters frequently ask how long a landlord has to fix a mold issue and whether they can sue if it goes unresolved. The answer depends on the severity of the mold, how it is reported, and what legal rights apply under state law. This guide explains what California law says about landlord mold responsibility, your right to a habitable home, and what to do when mold is not addressed. You will learn how to report it properly, what damages may be...

29 August

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Loss of Rent Insurance in California – What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

Landlord and tenants signing a rental agreement with keys on the table, related to loss of rent insurance

Loss of rent insurance protects a property owner’s income when a rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to events like fire, mold, or water damage. In California, many landlord policies offer Loss of Rents/Fair Rental Value coverage, but it’s not universal. Coverage applies only if the peril is covered under the policy. Tenants benefit because the funds help finish repairs faster and reduce the risk of losing housing. A tenant lawyer can explain how loss of rents coverage works, when it applies, and what it excludes, helping both sides of a lease make informed decisions. This guide explains coverage details, legal issues,...

29 August

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Security Deposit Return in California: The 21-Day Rule Explained

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

Tenant returning keys to landlord as part of California security deposit return process

For many renters in California, the return of a security deposit is the last and often most stressful part of moving out. State law gives a clear answer and sets a process that protects both sides. The rule requires a return or an itemized accounting within 21 calendar days under Civil Code §1950.5, with specific documentation standards and penalties for bad faith. This guide covers the 21-day rule, legal deductions, what to do if the landlord misses the deadline, and extra rules in rent-controlled cities. You’ll also see practical steps that help you get money back faster, including inspection tips, demand...

05 August

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Disabled Renters’ Rights in California: What Landlords Must Do (and Can’t Do)

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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

Woman in wheelchair filling out rental paperwork, representing disabled tenants’ rights and housing accessibility.

In California, FEHA gives disabled renters broader protections than federal law. Landlords must engage in a good‑faith interactive process, allow reasonable accommodations and modifications, can’t charge pet fees for assistance animals, and can’t retaliate if you assert your rights. Finding a place to live shouldn’t depend on whether someone has a disability. Yet many renters still face barriers that violate their legal rights. If you’re unsure what landlords can or can’t do—or when to involve a tenant lawyer—this guide will walk you through your options. The rights of disabled renters are protected under both federal and state laws that guarantee equal access,...

04 August

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Is Gentrification Illegal? A Tenant’s Guide to the Law

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

rial view of high-rise apartment buildings and older housing blocks, showing urban density and contrast in development styles, often linked to gentrification.

Is Gentrification Illegal? A Tenant’s Guide to the Law Gentrification can reshape a neighbourhood—but for many renters, that change often feels more like forced displacement than urban progress. Rents rise, long-term tenants face sudden evictions, and unfamiliar rules begin to surface. But is any of this actually illegal? This guide breaks down the legal landscape behind gentrification: what’s permitted, where the law draws the line, and what tenants can do when change starts to look like pressure. From rent caps and eviction protections to harassment laws and federal anti-discrimination statutes, this guide explains your rights and how to act on them. You’ll also...

04 August

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How Landlords Check Your Rental History Before Approving You

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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

Magnifying glass over house icon next to keys, representing landlord review of rental history before lease approval.

If you’re getting ready to apply for a new apartment, one of the first things a landlord may check is your rental history. Similar to a credit report, it helps them assess your reliability as a tenant. So, what exactly do landlords see, and how can you ensure your rental history works in your favor? In this guide, you'll learn what rental history reports include, how landlords check them, and what to do if you’re renting for the first time or if there are issues in your record. You’ll also get insights from the perspective of an experienced tenant lawyer, including...

01 August

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Can Illegal Immigrants Rent Apartments in the U.S.? What the Law Really Says

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Legal Advice, Tenant Law

Multi-unit apartment building with residential windows, representing rental housing availability in urban areas.

Finding a place to live can be stressful, especially if you're an undocumented immigrant or someone without a Social Security number. Can you legally rent an apartment or house in the U.S. without official immigration papers? The answer is yes, but it depends on your location, the documents you can provide, and your knowledge of your rights. This guide explains what undocumented immigrants need to know about renting, including how to handle applications, what landlords are allowed to ask, and what to do if you're treated unfairly. You'll also learn when it makes sense to speak with experienced tenant lawyers and...