A Tiny Oversight? Expect Catastrophe in California

Oh, so you want to be a Housing Provider? Well, buckle up because California has made sure it’s nothing short of a Herculean task. Just imagine—you overlook one little detail, and bam! Welcome to a whole new level of chaos.

Keep Those “None-of-Your-Business” Questions to Yourself

California’s law is crystal clear: don’t even think about rejecting a tenant for anything if our current Assembly members get their way. If a tenant is curious about the number of kids or pets? Or how many seniors moved in last year? Congratulations, you’ve just hit “none of your business” territory. Not sure what counts as crossing the line? Consider signing up for a Fair Housing course to avoid, you know, lawsuits.

Maintenance: Not Just a Suggestion

A rental agreement isn’t just paper—it’s your list of obligations. Let that leaky faucet linger, or leave that roof a bit “questionable,” and you might find yourself facing more than just annoyed tenants. Yes, that lawsuit waiting in the wings? It’s courtesy of neglecting “minor” tenant requests. I highly recommend not letting your roof leak – mold is at the top of the lawsuits filed in the last couple of years. Be responsible, accessible and respond quickly to maintenance requests.

The “Negligence” Umbrella: Good Luck Dodging It

Turns out, your renters can hold you accountable for “unintentional” mishaps. All they need to do is prove that you skimped on safety. Missed a broken handrail or ignored burnt-out parking lights? Prepare for your “negligence” tour through California’s legal labyrinth.

Physical Injury: Fix It, Or Pay Later

Your property might look fine, but a little oil spill here or a broken gate there, and voilà—your tenant’s slip is your liability. A light out? A trip hazard unmarked? Yeah, better handle it, or your bank account might.

In Short

It’s simple: take care of your property’s quirks or get ready to watch a “small” mistake snowball into your next big headache. And if this all sounds overwhelming, maybe it’s time to call in a property management company.

By Kari Negri, Chief Executive Officer, Sky Properties

Kari Negri is the Chief Executive Officer of Sky Property Management and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles. For questions, you can reach Kari at Kari@SKYprop.LA.