How would you rate your knowledge as a landlord. Being a landlord is more than just collecting rents. Understanding landlord/tenant law is the best protection for a landlord other than hiring a professional property manager.
Test your knowledge of landlord/tenant law by answering these questions then look at the answers below to see how you did.
- 1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to a tenant with pets?
- 2. What important document is needed if a residential property was built before January 1, 1978?
- 3. Can an owner give a notice to vacate to a tenant on a lease?
- 4. Can a landlord refuse to rent a property to people with children?
- 5. What important act is the basis for much of the landlord/tenant settlements and legislation?
- 6. True or false – a definition of habitability in rental housing is anything that endangers the livability of the property and the health and welfare of the tenants.
- 7. True or false – a property owner can enter his rental property at any time without the permission of the tenant.
- 8. True or false – it is a good policy to require a tenant to do all maintenance.
- 9. True or false – turning down an applicant due to poor credit is considered discrimination.
How did you do, here are the correct answers to the questions:
- 1. Yes, you can refuse to rent to a tenant if they have a pet as long as there is no discrimination involved and isn’t an “assistance animal”.
- 2. A lead-based paint agreement is needed for a residential property, units 1-4, built before January 1, 1978.
- 3. Yes, but they will not be required to move until the expiration date of the lease.
- 4. You cannot refuse to rent to persons with children unless it qualified for a seniors or over 55 status. Otherwise it is considered discrimination.
- 5. The basis for many landlord/tenant settlements or legislation is the URLTA, the Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act.
- 6. True
- 7. False – the tenant has the right of privacy and most states have very specific laws on the right to enter. It is also common courtesy to notify a tenant because it is his or her residence.
- 8. False – it is not a good policy to require tenants to do all maintenance for many reasons and particularly when it comes to issues of habitability.
- 9. Definitely false – a landlord can require good credit as one of the criteria for renting and it is required of all applicants.
With many years in the industry, Real Estate Eight Three One is readied and available to answer questions and concerns regarding California landlord/tenant law. To learn more about our property management services please click here.
