That 70’s Rule That’s Costing You $40,000 in Rental Income
California is the only state that forces landlords to give up a whole apartment unit for an on-site manager. AB 1771 would kill that 1970s rule entirely. The bill is in committee now. Owners with 16+ units: pay attention.
That Smoker Who Moved Out Last Year? Their Chemicals Are Still in Your Walls
California now classifies cigarette residue the same as asbestos and lead paint. AB 455 is a sales disclosure law today. But the researchers who wrote it already said rentals are next. Your turnover protocol is obsolete.
FinCEN’s Real Estate Rule Lasted 19 Days – The Compliance Risk Hasn’t Gone Anywhere
FinCEN’s residential real estate rule was vacated on March 19, 2026. But the compliance framework will almost certainly return. Smart Bay Area landlords are building their protocols now instead of scrambling later
Your Tenant’s Social Security Check Is Late. Now You Can’t Evict Them.
California’s AB 246 lets tenants halt evictions for up to six months when Social Security payments are disrupted. Your notices are already outdated. Here’s what landlords must change immediately.
Oakland’s New Rent Banking Rules Just Killed Your 10-Year Rental Strategy
The rules governing how Oakland property owners calculate, bank, and apply annual rent increases have been completely overhauled. On December 17, 2024, the Oakland City Council amended the Rent Adjustment and Just Cause for Eviction Ordinances, and the new framework became fully effective on January 1, 2026. These are not theoretical legislative risks. They are […]
California Landlords: One Wrong Word on Your Manager’s Paycheck Can Lock Your Rent Forever
California’s Check Exchange strategy lets landlords collect thousands more in resident manager rent legally. One wrong paycheck deduction can void it and lock your rent under the Wage Order cap permanently.
Why Landlords Must Name Their Property Manager as Additional Insured in 2026
The endorsement costs almost nothing, takes one phone call, and closes the single largest liability gap most landlords do not know they have.
Alameda Rent Control: A Landlord’s Guide to Compliance in 2026
The City of Alameda’s rent ordinance is one of the most layered in the East Bay. Here’s what you’re actually required to do, what it costs to get it wrong, and what recently changed in your favor.
Oakland SB 721 & Design Review Exemptions: 2026 Landlord Guide
The City of Oakland expanded its Design Review Exemption (DRX) on February 11, 2026. Like-for-like deck replacements now skip discretionary review entirely, cutting weeks off your permit timeline right when SB 721 compliance pressure is at its peak.
San Leandro Rent Control: What Landlords Must Know in 2026
San Leandro rent control takes effect Jan 2027 — but the rules start retroactively. Learn the rent cap, exemptions, registry deadlines, and what to do now.