06 November

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

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...

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,...

15 October

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Month-to-Month Tenant Rights in California: Notices, Rent Increases & Evictions

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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

Documents, laptop, and coffee cup on table symbolizing discuss about tenant rights and rental notices in California.

Month-to-month tenant rights in California establish clear guidelines for notices, rent adjustments, security deposits, and eviction protections. These rules apply whether you are renting a small apartment or a single-family home. Understanding them can prevent costly mistakes and conflicts with your landlord. This guide explains how these agreements work, the notice requirements for both parties before moving, the limits on rent increases under state law, and what constitutes a lawful eviction. It also covers how to recover a security deposit and what steps to take if your landlord violates your rights, including when you may need to seek help from a slumlord...

15 October

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30-Day Notice to Landlord in California: Rules, Templates & Tenant Rights

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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

Desk with paperwork and tablet by the window, representing tenant preparing a 30-day notice to landlord in California.

Ending a rental agreement in California requires following strict rules, especially for month-to-month leases. Tenants and landlords must provide proper written notice before a tenant moves out or requests that someone leave. A 30 day notice to landlord California form is the most common tool for this process. In situations involving unsafe or poorly maintained housing, tenants may also seek guidance from a slumlord lawyer to protect their rights and address serious habitability issues. This guide explains when you need to give notice, what to include in the letter, and how to deliver it correctly. You will also find a free...

26 September

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What to Do if Your Landlord Enters Without Permission in California

Posted by eric_castelblanco

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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Can a Landlord Evict You for No Reason in California? Know Your Rights

Posted by eric_castelblanco

in Tenant Law

Notice to Vacate sign posted on a California apartment door symbolising tenant eviction and rights.

Many renters in California ask whether a landlord can make them leave without notice or a clear reason. In most cases, the answer is no, especially under California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits a landlord’s ability to evict without “just cause.” However, there are exceptions. This guide breaks down the exact situations when a landlord can remove a tenant, what rights tenants have, how no-fault eviction works, and when local laws like those in Los Angeles or San Francisco may offer stronger protection. This article explains the legal rights and duties of both renters and landlords using direct and reliable...

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,...