Can you claim 100% bonus depreciation on a short-term rental in 2026, then convert it to a long-term rental in 2027? Discover how cost segregation, material participation, and IRS rental rules may create significant tax savings for real estate investors in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach—even without real estate professional status.
Discover how cost segregation, 100% bonus depreciation, and short-term rental tax strategies can help real estate investors maximize tax deductions in 2026 and 2027. Serving Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and coastal Orange County, Lucas Real Estate Group combines real estate, legal, and tax expertise to help investors identify opportunities, acquire investment properties, and navigate the process beyond closing.
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.
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.
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.
Newport Beach and Costa Mesa landlords are facing increasingly complex fair housing and emotional support animal regulations. Learn what California property owners should know about ESA accommodation requests, tenant rights, HOA concerns, liability exposure, and how experienced property management can help reduce legal risk and protect luxury rental properties.
Own a duplex in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa and thinking about Proposition 19? If you live in one unit and rent the other, you may be in for a surprise. The law doesn’t treat your property as one home—it splits it. And that can mean a major property tax hit. Here’s what you need to know before you sell or pass it down.
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.