

Steven C. Williams
- 1 min
Q&A: What steps can I take if my tenant is smoking in their unit and my lease prohibits smoking?
It is not uncommon for second-hand smoke coming from a rental unit to bother neighbors, particularly those with minor children. Also,...


Angelica A. Sandoval
- 2 min
Q&A : COVID-19 and Landlord Responsibility
Q: How can I prepare for the possibility of a tenant testing positive for COVID-19 in my building? Is it my responsibility to inform the...


David Semel
- 3 min
Q&A Regarding Renter's Insurance
Yes, it is most likely permissible for a tenant to refuse to comply with a lease clause requiring the tenant to purchase renter’s insurance


Angelica A. Sandoval
- 2 min
Q&A Regarding Tenant Installed Appliances
Most leases, like the SFAA Residential Tenancy Agreement, have provisions that prohibit alternations, modification, or changes to the premis


Angelica A. Sandoval
- 3 min
Q&A Regarding Rent Increase Notices
With rent-controlled units, a property owner may increase a tenant’s base rent once every 12 months by the allowable annual rent increase (o


Matthew P. Quiring
- 3 min
Q&A Regarding Adding an Extra Roommate
In most rent-controlled cities, such as Oakland and Berkeley, tenants are generally allowed to replace absent roommates with new roommates,


Angelica A. Sandoval
- 2 min
Q&A Regarding Notifying Tenants About Building Sale
It is your right to sell your building whenever you want. You do not have an obligation to disclose this information to your tenants. There


Matthew P. Quiring
- 2 min
Q&A Regarding Handyman Access to Unit
Outside of an emergency, repair of the leak is similarly a “necessary” service to maintain the property in habitable condition. A 24-hour no


Clifford E. Fried
- 1 min
Clifford E. Fried on the SFAA Legal Panel
Clifford E. Fried on the SFAA Legal Panel


David Semel
- 2 min
Q&A Regarding Storage Space
The disposition of personal property left behind after a tenancy has terminated and the premises have been vacated is governed by Code of Ci