California’s emergency rent relief program ($2.6 billion in total ) is designed to help tenants pay for their housing and help the state avoid high levels of eviction statewide. The program is especially relevant as June 30, the expiration date for the state eviction moratorium, inches closer. Californians have applied for $473 million, but only $20 […]
Summary of CA Rent Relief Law
The following is a brief summary of the Rent Relief Law signed Aug. 31 by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It coincides with the eviction moratorium announced by President Donald Trump on Sept. 1. California Tenant Relief Act: When a tenant has not paid rent for any period between March 1, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, the COVID-19 […]
Pandemic Rental Property Scam
With the pandemic pushing the industry toward self-showings, renters and property managers could be at an increased risk of falling prey to online scammers. Tracey Hawkins, a real estate safety expert and founder of Safety and Security Source, is warning managers of a new type of fraud specific to rental properties and self-showings — scammers seeking out properties that are […]
What to Know About Investment Property Taxes
Rental income is taxable, but you may be able to take a lot more deductions than you realize, which can save you big come tax day. The deadline to file taxes for U.S. residents is less than two months away. If you own an investment or rental property or have clients who do, it can […]
Rent Agreement Reached
California Gov. Gavin Newsom reached a deal with apartment owners and developers Friday on legislation that would cap how rapidly rents can rise as the state grapples with a housing crisis. The deal would cap annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation, with a 10% maximum increase. That’s lower than the 7% threshold lawmakers had […]
Vacant Apartment Tax Proposed
Should property owners pay a tax when their apartments sit empty? That’s the question Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin wants to pose to voters next year. He announced last week that he’s requesting a report from the city’s chief legislative analyst on options for an “empty homes penalty” that would be placed on the ballot […]
Are Background Checks Illegal?
By Laurie Schenden, CVAR Communications & Marketing During “Fair Housing Month” in April, the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a guidance that has landlords and property managers aflutter about whether they’re breaking the law if they reject a potential tenant based on a background check. The reason for the new interpretation of […]