All articles tagged with #tenant rights
A person recounts their stressful experience with a bedbug infestation that depleted their savings, and now faces a repeat situation. They feel guilty and overwhelmed but are advised to seek rent abatement, understand tenant rights, and plan long-term financial stability with family support. The article emphasizes separating emotional guilt from financial reality and taking proactive steps to manage the situation.
A house in San Francisco's Russian Hill is listed for under $500,000, but it comes with a catch: a tenant with a lease until 2053 paying below-market rent. The property is seen as a long-term investment opportunity, ideal for those willing to wait decades to realize its full potential.
A San Francisco home in Russian Hill is listed for $488,000, but the new owner may not move in until 2053 due to a tenant's long-term lease and rent control protections. The tenant pays $417 monthly and covers utilities. The home, built in 1924, has garnered nearly 30,000 views in 13 days. The former owner, over 100 years old, died in the home.
Colorado property management firm Four Star Realty has agreed to pay $1 million to the state after an investigation found that it illegally billed tenants for routine apartment services. The settlement, the first under a new state law, will see $980,000 returned to affected consumers. The company, which manages 5,000 rental units, denies many of the allegations but has agreed to the settlement. The state plans to contact former tenants to determine the extent of compensation owed. The attorney general encourages mistreated tenants to report violations, emphasizing the need to advocate and fight for tenant rights.
The D.C. Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against 14 of the city's largest landlords, accusing them of neglecting their properties and violating tenant rights. The lawsuit alleges that the landlords have failed to provide basic services, such as heat and hot water, and have allowed their properties to fall into disrepair. The Attorney General is seeking financial penalties and injunctive relief to address the alleged violations and protect tenants' rights.
An Airbnb host in California is unable to remove a guest who has overstayed for 541 days and counting due to the host's failure to properly register the property. The host started renting out his guesthouse without the necessary permits, making it an illegal rental. A judge ruled that the host has no legal right to evict the guest, who is protected by LA's Just Cause Ordinance and the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The host's attempts to sue for unpaid rent and eviction have been dismissed, and the legal battle continues.
California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 1418, which would prohibit mandatory evictions or exclusions for tenants and their families based on criminal histories or encounters with law enforcement. The bill aims to combat "crime-free housing" policies that disproportionately affect Black and Latino renters and contribute to gentrification. AB 1418 would make many of these laws unenforceable, while still allowing landlords to initiate nuisance-related evictions or screen tenants based on their own discretion. The legislation was inspired by a 2020 investigation by the Los Angeles Times, and its passage is seen as a significant step towards racial and criminal justice reform in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 14 to sign or veto the bill.
Landlords in Southern California and other areas are increasingly imposing additional fees on tenants, reminiscent of the nickel-and-diming tactics used by airlines. These fees, ranging from $5 to $10, cover services that were once included in the rent, such as trash pickup, pest control, mailbox use, and routine maintenance requests. Some landlords even charge fees for moving in and out or for "lease administration." These added fees come as rents have already risen by 25% since early 2021, putting further financial strain on tenants. Critics argue that these practices are unjustified and take advantage of the fact that people need a place to live.
Rents in many major cities remain high, with shelter costs representing 60% of all inflation in February and March. In addition to high rents, tenants are facing a surge of "junk fees" such as application fees, late fees, pet fees, administrative fees, and "convenience fees" for paying rent online. These fees have exploded in recent years, rendering safe and decent rental housing even more out of reach for many. Some landlords are now making higher profits from fees than from actual rent, according to watchdog group Accountable.us. Consumer advocacy groups are pushing for a crackdown on these fees, which they call "exploitative," "deceptive," and "unconscionable."
Building owners in a Toronto neighborhood are speaking out about the importance of creating safe spaces for tenants after a fire broke out in a residential building. The owners emphasized the need for proper fire prevention measures and tenant rights, as well as the importance of community support in times of crisis.
A person who inherited a house in San Francisco with tenants in the basement is wondering if they can evict them. The tenants have been renting below market rates and there is no lease. The new owner can ask the tenants to leave, but if they refuse, the eviction process can be difficult due to strong tenant protections in San Francisco. The owner can also consider selling the property with the tenants or raising the rent to market rate to possibly push them out. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer and the San Francisco Rent Board for legal advice.