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Attention Landlords: New Photo Documentation and Security Deposit Regulations for California Landlords in 2025 (AB 2801)

  • January 13, 2025
  • devinlucas

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.

Prop 33 infographic

Understanding Proposition 33: What It Means for Homeowners, Renters, and the Housing Market

  • September 27, 2024
  • devinlucas

Understanding Proposition 33: What It Means for Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Property Owners

Proposition 33 aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, potentially imposing rent control on single-family homes and new apartment developments across California. This measure could drastically affect property owners in high-demand areas like Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and other coastal Orange County communities by expanding rent control regulations. At Lucas Real Estate, we guide property owners through the evolving real estate landscape, ensuring your investments remain protected. Discover how Prop. 33 could impact your property and the housing market.

For personalized real estate advice, contact Lucas Real Estate today.

for rent sign

Renting Out Rooms? How Separate Leases Could Trigger Rent Control

  • September 18, 2024
  • devinlucas

Renting out individual rooms in your single-family home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa? You might assume you’re exempt from rent control, but California’s complex legal landscape could prove otherwise. Under certain conditions, separate room leases could trigger statewide rent control and tenant protection laws—even if your property would otherwise qualify for exemptions. Understanding the nuances of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) is essential to avoid costly surprises. In this article, we explore how local laws, especially Costa Mesa’s new rent control ordinance, interact with state protections and what you need to know to stay compliant.

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New Landlord Restrictions Starting July 2024: Tenancy Security Deposits Capped at One Month’s Rent (with Exceptions)

  • May 21, 2024
  • devinlucas

Introducing Assembly Bill 12 (AB 12) – Effective July 1, 2024, this legislation will significantly impact the rental landscape in California. Under AB 12, landlords will be restricted in their ability to demand security deposits, with a new cap set at one month’s rent. Learn how these changes may affect Newport Beach and Costa Mesa real estate, and how Lucas Real Estate can help navigate these challenges.

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Common Leasing Mistakes Made By Leasing Agents

  • September 4, 2023
  • devinlucas

Even leasing professionals make mistakes. From the California Association of REALTORS® Broker Insights Newsletter – August 2023, there are quite a few common mistakes out there that warranted an advisory. Make sure you, or your REALTOR®, are compliant, especially when it comes to leasing in tenant-friendly California….

Woman with umbrella inside, water intrusion in house

Landlord-Tenant Refresher: The Implied Warranty of Habitability

  • January 12, 2023
  • devinlucas

People have all sorts of personal definitions of what is “habitable” when it comes to their rental home. No, tenants, the blinds being askew is not a breach of the warranty of habitability. Likewise, landlords, the lack of hot water is not ‘no big deal’ to be fixed sometime later in the week. For better or worse, California law is very clear when it comes to rental property habitability.

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End of the California Eviction Moratorium – Quick Guide

  • November 10, 2021
  • devinlucas

The following is an extremely brief update on the current status of California Landlord Tenant laws give the expiration of the statewide moratorium as prepared by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

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How to Write a Real Estate Mediation Brief

  • May 22, 2020
  • devinlucas

Preparing for a real estate mediation can be stressful, but a well prepared concise brief will not only help the mediator to understand your case, it will also help you to organize your thoughts and positions.  Here, we discuss what makes a good mediation brief and some suggestions for the same.   BACKGROUND  Real estate disputes … Continue Reading