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Sen. Lois Wolk’s water submetering bill sank this year, but it’ll likely resurface in 2014. With some success at the negotiating table, it has a good chance of passing, too. SB 750  got close this year. But by the end of the legislative session, loose ends and disagreements about the bill’s wording had it taking on water. When Wolk introduced the bill in early February, she said it would help Californians “make environmentally and economically responsible choices and that they needed accurate information about their water usage and cost so that they can use existing supplies as efficiently as possible.”… Read More

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It’s no surprise that some property owners don’t allow pets in their apartments. Who wants the noise, the carpet stains and the doggie doo-doo on prospective tenants’ shoes? Legally, however, one person’s pet may be another person’s companion.  In this type of situation, fair housing laws require owners to make exceptions. Don’t let ignorance bite you at the bank. Take part in the California Apartment Association Oct. 10 webinar “When Is a Pet Not a Pet: Complying with the ADA and Fair Housing Laws.” This class will help CAA members understand state and federal laws requiring property owners to make… Read More

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Question: I have a prospective tenant whose company will pay his rent as a perk to his job. Who must sign the lease? Answer: It is our strong advice to have both the company and the individual sign the lease. If the employment is terminated, you would have a stranger in your unit without a signed lease. Question: If a guest causes problems or damages the property, what is my recourse? Answer: The tenant is responsible to pay for the repair of any damage caused by their guest’s negligence or intentional act. If they fail to pay a three-day notice… Read More

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For more than 80 years, The Walt Disney Co. has been synonymous with excellence in customer service.  It turns out that Disney’s approach to keeping customers happy works in multifamily-housing, too. On Oct. 17, you can learn all about it. The California Apartment Association and Tonusa will welcome Disney Institute to CAA South Coast’s Lunch Club for a workshop on “Disney’s Approach to Quality Service.” In his 90-minute keynote, cast member Bruce Kimbrell will use the Disney model to show attendees how to consistently exceed customer expectations. As part of the Disney Co., the institute energizes organizations with “time-tested best… Read More

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In 2013, lawmakers derailed threatening bills to the rental housing industry and other business sectors. Some of the bills left floundering focused on parcel taxes, spit roll property taxes and putting tax hikes before voters. For example, here are two bills that CAA opposed and help put on ice until at least next year: AB 59 (D-Bonta) – Parcel Taxes – The intent of AB 59 is to overturn a recent court case that prohibits school districts from imposing different parcel tax rates on different types of property. If passed, AB 59 would allow school districts to impose different parcel… Read More

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Sen. Lois Wolk’s water submetering bill sank this year, but it’ll likely resurface in 2014. With some success at the negotiating table, it has a good chance of passing, too. SB 750  got close this year. But by the end of the legislative session, loose ends and disagreements about the bill’s wording had it taking […]

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The state’s 2013 legislative session ends Friday with several CAA-supported bills already signed by the governor, on deck for last-minute passage by lawmakers or set aside for legislative consideration in 2014. Some of these California Apartment Association-supported bills and where they stand: Signed by Gov. Jerry Brown SB 196 (R-Cannella) – Gas Rates Disclosure – Apartment Buildings – SB 196 allows an apartment owner who has gas or electric submeters beyond the master meter to post a website address where the tenants can access the utility corporation’s rates.  Current law requires the property owner to post a copy of the… Read More

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Researchers from the University of Southern California are seeking information from Los Angeles-area landlords on the effects of thirdhand cigarette smoke — including smell, residue and related management issues. While secondhand smoke has been researched extensively, scientists are still studying the effects of residual cigarette smoke particles and chemicals found in air, dust and surfaces — also known as thirdhand smoke. To fill this research gap, the state of California is funding a study led by Dr. Jonathan Samet and Dr. Heather Wipfli at USC. The team is focusing on indoor areas and enclosed spaces, including rental properties, in the… Read More

Tagged: Los Angeles

With discrimination complaints, undercover investigations and penalties on the rise, it is imperative to abide by federal, state and local  laws regarding fair housing. The California Apartment Association’s webinar, “Fair Housing – It’s the Law,” gives you the knowledge you need to follow the rules. Learn about the property manager’s role in fair housing, the law as it applies to children and families, accommodating the disabled, policies and procedures, and proper leasing  and rental procedures. Like previous courses in CAA’s summer webinar series, the class will be presented in two 90-minute segments. The first half will be webcast at 1:30… Read More

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