Spring is the perfect time to sell in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Coastal Orange County! 🌸☀️ With buyers actively searching, making a few strategic upgrades can set your home apart. From boosting curb appeal and decluttering to staging for that perfect coastal vibe, these simple steps can help you sell faster and for top dollar. Thinking about listing your home this spring? Let’s chat—Lucas Real Estate is here to help you maximize your home’s value!
What happens when a tenant moves out before their lease ends? In California, tenants remain responsible for unpaid rent and re-rental costs—but landlords must make reasonable efforts to find a replacement rather than simply charging the tenant for the full lease term. Under California Civil Code § 1951.2, landlords have a legal duty to mitigate damages by advertising the property, setting a fair market rent, and considering qualified replacement tenants. If a landlord rejects a viable tenant without good reason, the outgoing tenant’s liability may be reduced. A proactive approach can minimize downtime and financial loss for both parties.
Looking to build long-term wealth? Investing in a rental property in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or Coastal Orange County could be the smartest financial move you make! 🏡💰 Whether you opt for a steady, cash-flowing long-term rental or a high-income vacation rental, both strategies offer reliable income, tax benefits, and long-term equity growth. Want to explore the best investment opportunities? Let’s chat—Lucas Real Estate is here to guide you!
On February 4, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-17-25, modifying California’s price gouging protections in response to the Los Angeles and Ventura County wildfires. This order expands price gouging restrictions to all rental housing, regardless of lease length, closing a loophole landlords previously used to avoid these rules. Additionally, it temporarily suspends price gouging restrictions for high-value, four-bedroom single-family homes in select high-rent ZIP codes until March 8, 2025. Notably, Orange County remains fully subject to HUD-based rental calculations where applicable. Understanding these updates is critical for landlords and property managers navigating rental pricing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond.
Navigating showings and accessing tenant-occupied properties requires a strategic approach. Whether you’re coordinating open houses, dealing with an uncooperative tenant, or considering a cash-for-keys agreement, understanding the legal landscape and best practices can make all the difference. From providing proper notice to leveraging incentives for tenant cooperation, landlords have options to ensure a smooth sales process while staying compliant with California law.
Thinking about upgrading your home in 2025? In Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Coastal Orange County, smart improvements can boost both your lifestyle and your property’s value. From luxurious kitchen remodels and spa-inspired bathrooms to energy-efficient upgrades and expanded outdoor living spaces, the right updates can make all the difference in our competitive market. Whether you’re selling soon or just want to enhance your home, these strategic upgrades will keep your property in high demand.
Want expert advice on maximizing your home’s value? Contact Lucas Real Estate today!
As of January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2493 (AB 2493) introduces new requirements for California landlords regarding application screening fees. This law prohibits fees if no rental units are available and mandates refunds for applicants not selected, unless specific criteria are met. Landlords must provide written screening criteria, process applications in order, and issue refunds or credit reports promptly. These changes aim to enhance transparency and fairness in tenant screening. If you own property in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa, Lucas Real Estate can help you navigate these updates and stay compliant.
Under California Penal Code Section 396, rental price increases during a declared state of emergency are limited to 10%, with the base rent determined by prior rental history or fair market rent (FMR) as defined by HUD. If a property hasn’t been rented in the past year, the allowable base rent defaults to 160% of the HUD fair market rent. The choice between county-wide FMRs and Small Area FMRs (SAFMRs) depends on local market conditions, with SAFMRs providing more granular, ZIP code-specific data.
New landlord-tenant laws for 2025 include critical updates on application screening fees, tenant credit reporting, security deposit requirements, and lock-change protections. Key provisions include mandatory refunds for unselected applicants, expanded photo documentation for move-in and move-out inspections, and tenant options for reporting positive rental payments to credit agencies. These changes have particular implications for landlords in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. For expert advice and property management services tailored to help you navigate these updates, contact Lucas Real Estate.
Navigating AB 2801: A New Era in Landlord Transparency
Starting April 1, 2025, AB 2801 introduces mandatory photo documentation for California landlords at key stages of tenancy, ensuring transparency in security deposit deductions. At Lucas Real Estate, we’ve long embraced this best practice, photographing properties before and after tenancies, as well as post-repair or cleaning. Whether you’re managing your own property or need expert guidance, our property management services in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond help you stay compliant while protecting your investment.
Contact us today to learn how we simplify property management and safeguard your interests.
Lucas Real Estate
2901 West Coast Highway Suite 200 | Newport Beach | California | 92663-4023
[email protected] | 949.478.1623 office
Devin Lucas BRE No. 01912302 | Courtney Lucas BRE No. 02015514
Lucas Real Estate, a dynamic full-service residential real estate team led by Devin Lucas, REALTOR®, Real Estate Broker, and Real Estate Attorney, and Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® and CPA, offers unparalleled expertise in Newport Beach and surrounding areas.
Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Newsletter | Social Media