“Ignorance of the law excuses not.” This is a legal maxim that means that if one violates the law, they must pay the penalties regardless of whether or not they knew of that law. That means, as a Redondo Beach property owner, it is crucial to understand the laws that govern rental homes in your district. Landlord-tenant law details the rights and obligations that both landlords and tenants have relative to a rental property. While some aspects of landlord/tenant law vary from state to state, there are other parts of the law that all property owners – and tenants – would do well to remember.
Landlord/tenant law usually rests on the strength of your lease agreement. Lease agreements are binding contracts that should outline the relationship between the landlord and their tenant. A good lease agreement should have detailed information about the responsibilities of both parties as well as language that protects their rights.
Even so, any lease agreement must also follow state and federal tenant/landlord law. Every so often, Redondo Beach property owners might include sections of a lease agreement that violate those laws. Such as discriminating against a tenant based on gender, religion, race, or disability — this is illegal. Such discrimination violates the Federal Fair Housing Act, which protects individuals in certain classes from being denied housing. Needless to say, the statements in the lease agreement that go against the law will not be considered valid.
While different important laws govern the landlord-tenant relationship, don’t forget to keep a note of the ones that regulate security deposits. In most cases, tenants will need to pay a security deposit before moving in. Make sure to double-check the amount being asked because these deposits could be limited under your state law. Landlord/tenant laws also dictate how security deposits are to be returned, including how soon the refund must be issued after a tenant moves out.
For instance, the law states that all security deposits must be returned to a tenant when they move out, minus any documented deductions for repairs or cleaning costs. Deposits can be a bit tricky at times. While it is true that some deductions are allowed, it is also true that it’s illegal for a landlord to deduct the cost of regular maintenance or normal wear and tear.
In many states, landlords have a maximum of 30 days to return a tenant’s security deposit. Exceeding this timeframe could have serious consequences for any landlord, so it’s essential to be aware of any time limits included in your state or local laws.
Tenant/landlord law also often includes protections for both tenant rights and landlord rights. Most state laws state that tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment, a livable condition, and a certain level of privacy. One setback to these rights is that landlords have responsibilities to fulfill and, at the same time, their property maintenance and oversight should not violate these rights.
Without a doubt, the law also ensures that landlords can protect their rights. State laws often protect a landlord’s right to require a monthly rental payment as well as other payments as specified in the lease (utility bills, for instance). The law also protects a landlord’s ability to evict tenants for nonpayment or other legal causes. However, frequently a very specific process must be followed to ensure that a tenant’s rights are not violated during an eviction.
By remembering key aspects of landlord/tenant law, you can confirm that your rental properties and policies are in compliance. Operating within the law can help you avoid expensive and unnecessary lawsuits and keep your rental properties profitable for years to come.
At Real Property Management California Coast, our team of expert Redondo Beach property managers is here to handle the legal requirements for you. Our staff is trained and well versed in landlord/tenant law, equal housing, fair housing, and more. We are more than willing to go over our property management plans with you. Pick up that phone and call us at 310-535-2150, or contact us online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
