Landlord Tenant

UPDATE: March 7 2025 Executive Order Further Extends Price Gouging Protections

March 9, 2025
devinlucas

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-23-25, issued on March 7, 2025, extends rental price gouging protections in Los Angeles County until July 1, 2025. These protections cap rent increases at 10% and prohibit evictions aimed at re-listing properties at higher prices.

However, some properties are now exempt from HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) calculations—specifically newly constructed units and high-value single-family homes (4+ bedrooms) in select Los Angeles ZIP codes. Importantly, these exemptions do NOT remove the 10% cap on rent increases and do NOT allow landlords to raise prices beyond prior rates if the property was rented or listed in the last year.

For landlords, property managers, and investors in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and beyond, these updates carry critical implications for leasing strategies, property valuations, and rental pricing. Orange County remains fully subject to price gouging laws, with no exemptions.

📖 Read our full article to understand how these changes impact your real estate business.

bag of money next to up arrow and a model house (inferring housing prices going up)

UPDATE: February 2025 Executive Order on Price Gouging Protections

February 9, 2025
devinlucas

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 Property: A Landlord’s Guide When Selling Tenant-Occupied Property

February 4, 2025
devinlucas

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.

wooden blocks with the word "fees" spelled out.

New Screening Fee Regulations for 2025: Can I Still Charge a Screening Fee or Application Fee???

January 27, 2025
devinlucas

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.

Navigating Fair Market Rent Calculations During California’s Price Gouging Protections

January 27, 2025
devinlucas

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.

judge hammer with "2025" in blocks - new laws for 2025

2025 Landlord-Tenant Law Updates: Key Changes and Compliance Tips For California Landlords

January 19, 2025
devinlucas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Category