Myths That Bankrupt California Landlords
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In this episode of Zoom Landlord Tenant Talk Radio, Attorney Dennis Block addresses the critical issue of 'Myths That Bankrupt California Landlords,' warning that misconceptions about rental laws are leading to financial losses, legal battles, and eviction failures. Drawing on his experience handling over 250,000 evictions, Block debunks 12 common myths, including the belief that landlords can evict tenants without cause after a lease ends, raise rents freely with a 60-day notice, or deny Section 8 applicants. He emphasizes the importance of standardized leasing policies, proper documentation, and compliance with rent control laws, especially under AB 1482 and local ordinances like Los Angeles’ Just Cause Ordinance. Block also stresses the legal risks of mismanaging security deposits, entering units without notice, and improperly handling emotional support animal (ESA) requests. The episode concludes with live Q&A, where he advises landlords on navigating tenant disputes, dealing with unauthorized occupants, and protecting their rights during property transitions. The host promotes the upcoming Apartment Owners Association trade show on April 15th, highlighting its value for networking, education, and access to legal and financial resources.
Always use a standardized, written leasing policy with clear criteria—never rely on instincts or emotions.
Under California rent control laws, you cannot evict a tenant without just cause after a lease ends unless specific exceptions apply.
Rent increases are capped by CPI or 5% plus CPI—exceeding these limits can trigger lawsuits and penalties.
You cannot charge for ordinary wear and tear when withholding security deposits; document move-out conditions with photos.
Denying a tenant due to a valid ESA or service animal is illegal and can lead to discrimination claims.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Event Announcement
Host Dennis Block introduces the episode and announces the upcoming Apartment Owners Association trade show on April 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, highlighting free admission, seminars, vendor booths, and giveaways.
Myth #1: Relying on Instincts in Leasing
Block warns that emotional or intuitive decisions when screening tenants are ineffective and dangerous. He stresses the need for a standardized, written leasing policy with clear criteria, including credit checks, references, and move-in requirements.
Myth #2: Evicting Without Cause After Lease Expiry
“You cannot simply tell the tenant to leave because the term of the lease is over. You would have to have just cause.”
Myth #3: Unlimited Rent Increases with 60-Day Notice
“In the city of Los Angeles, you're only entitled to 90% of that 3% figure, which means you can now do rent increases of only a paltry 2.7%.”
Myth #4: CPI Is a Fair Basis for Rent Increases
“The CPI should never be considered an item when establishing rent increases. The legislature has this wrong.”
“In the city of Los Angeles, you're only entitled to 90% of that 3% figure, which means you can now do rent increases of only a paltry 2.7%.”
“The CPI should never be considered an item when establishing rent increases. The legislature has this wrong.”
“You cannot simply tell the tenant to leave because the term of the lease is over. You would have to have just cause.”
Host
Guest
Attorney Dennis Block
person
Apartment Owners Association
organization
Evict123.com
product
Section 8
other
Jeff Fowler
person
Consumer Price Index
other
Emotional Support Animal
other
Los Angeles Convention Center
place
AB 1482
other
LAPD
organization
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