Landlords in California can make life easier for themselves by understanding the types of liability that they may face. Obtaining property or general liability insurance can provide financial protection if there are issues with the property being rented. Landlords may also lower the risk of a lawsuit or other legal action by following housing standards. For instance, they should never take action that is discriminatory based on race or national origin.
Ideally, prospective tenants will only be rejected for an apartment if they have bad credit or don’t make enough money to reasonably pay the rent. It may also be best if all applicants go through the same process when being screened by landlords. If a tenant is disabled, a landlord should attempt to make reasonable accommodations. Failure to do so could be seen as discriminatory.
Eliminating hazards such as mold, mildew or asbestos should also be a good way to lower the risks a landlord may face. Furthermore, it is important to be sure that a property has adequate plumbing, heat and clean water. If other potentially dangerous conditions exist, the landlord has a duty to fix them or notify the tenant of their existence. As with any business venture, landlords should consider the tax implications that come with collecting rent checks.
Failing to abide by the law or otherwise failing to respect tenant rights could lead to complaints or legal action. Property owners who are engaged in landlord-tenant disputes may benefit by hiring an attorney. This may make it easier for a landlord to learn more about his or her rights as well as create defenses to any complaints a tenant may have. In some cases, a dispute may be resolved through private negotiations as opposed to going to court.