Do California landlords have to return security deposits electronically? Beginning in 2026, new rules apply when a landlord received a tenant’s security deposit or rent electronically. Learn when electronic refunds are required, what notice landlords must provide, how the 21-day deadline applies, and what changes when there are multiple tenants. A practical guide for landlords and rental property owners in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and throughout California.
What happens when roommates disagree over who gets the security deposit? California law provides a surprisingly clear answer. Learn how landlords should handle security deposit disputes between multiple tenants, including different claimed shares, conflicting forwarding addresses, and the 21-day deadline. A practical guide for rental property owners in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and throughout California.
Does a California landlord have to install an EV charger for a tenant? California Civil Code § 1947.6 gives certain tenants the right to request EV charging stations—but landlords generally are not required to pay for the installation. Real estate attorney and broker Devin Lucas explains the rules, exceptions, costs, and practical considerations for landlords and rental property owners in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and throughout Orange County.
Considering a real estate option or lease-option in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or Laguna Beach? Learn how California option agreements work, including option payments, disclosures, inspections, financing, and key risks for buyers and sellers.
How much can landlords raise the rent in Orange County in 2026? The maximum rent increase under California’s Tenant Protection Act for covered rental properties in Orange County is 8.7% for increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. This applies to covered properties in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and throughout Orange County—but not every rental is subject to the statewide rent cap.
Choosing the right property management company is about far more than collecting rent. Whether you own a rental home in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Coast, or Corona del Mar, the right property manager can help protect your investment, attract qualified tenants, reduce vacancy, navigate California landlord-tenant laws, and maximize your property’s long-term value. In this comprehensive guide, learn the questions every California property owner should ask before hiring a property manager, how to evaluate management fees and services, and why legal, tax, and local market expertise can make all the difference.
Many Newport Beach and Costa Mesa parents want to help children buy a home, but few realize the legal, tax, estate planning, and property tax implications that can arise from family loans, gifts, or below-market sales. In this comprehensive guide, Real Estate Attorney, Broker, and REALTOR® Devin Lucas and CPA/REALTOR® Courtney Lucas explain how IRS Applicable Federal Rates (AFR), Promissory Notes, Deeds of Trust, Proposition 19, and family wealth transfer strategies can help families structure real estate transactions the right way while avoiding costly mistakes. Whether you’re helping a child purchase a first home, transferring investment property, or planning for the next generation, understanding your options before transferring funds can preserve wealth and create better long-term outcomes.
Real estate fraud is on the rise, with the FBI reporting more than $275 million in losses last year alone. But for Newport Beach and Costa Mesa homeowners, the bigger lesson is this: today’s real estate transactions are more complex than ever. From wire fraud and seller impersonation scams to trust sales, capital gains concerns, Proposition 19 planning, and disclosure obligations, homeowners need more than just a real estate agent. Learn why Lucas Real Estate Group’s unique combination of real estate, legal, and tax expertise helps clients navigate every stage of the process with confidence while maximizing value and reducing risk.
Lucas Real Estate Group is proud to present this exceptional lease opportunity in Huntington Beach’s sought-after Seabridge Village. Backed by the unique insight of a real estate attorney and CPA-led team, we help clients navigate every aspect of leasing, buying, selling, and investing throughout Orange County’s coastal communities.
Thinking about using an LLC for your Proposition 19 replacement home? Be careful. While LLCs are often used for privacy, liability protection, and estate planning, California property tax rules may treat them very differently than revocable living trusts. In this article, we explore a little-known California Board of Equalization ruling, discuss why homeowners’ exemption eligibility matters, and explain why many homeowners, trustees, and advisors in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and throughout Orange County choose trust ownership over LLC ownership when trying to preserve valuable Proposition 19 property tax benefits.
Lucas Real Estate
2901 West Coast Highway, Suite 200 | Newport Beach, CA 92663
info@lucas-real-estate.com
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949.478.1623
Devin Lucas, REALTOR® | Real Estate Broker | Real Estate Attorney | DRE #01912302
Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® | CPA | DRE #02015514
Lucas Real Estate combines luxury real estate representation with legal and tax expertise, serving Newport Beach and surrounding Orange County communities. Led by Devin Lucas, REALTOR®, Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Attorney, and Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® and CPA.