Q & A with Prop West

Q) Is internal wiring for land line telephones the responsibility of the tenant or the owner of the building? I have four units on this property.

A) Under California law the landlord is required to have one working jack in his unit. You, therefore, would be responsible for the internal wiring for at least one jack.

(Taken from Apartment Owners Association News; March 09)

Q & A with Prop West: Rent Control

Q) I bought a building in a rent controlled area. One of the tenants does not have a rental agreement. The previous owner allowed this tenant to have a dog. The tenant now wants to bring in an additional dog. I really am opposed to this. Is there any way to stop the tenant from getting an additional pet?

A) Unfortunately, since you do not have a rental agreement, the tenant is free to bring in an additional pet. If either of the pets becomes a nuisance, that could give rise to an eviction action, otherwise you will have to accept the situation.

(taken from Apartment Owners Association News, March 09)

Q & A with Prop West

Q) I own two adjoining lots. On one lot I have two buildings, each with nine units. On my other lot, I have a 16 unit building. I have a resident manager in the 16 unit building and this manager is perfectly capable of managing all the units. Would this be in accordance with the law?

A) Under California law you must have a resident manager if 16 or more units are on a lot. The fact that your two lots are adjoining is not relevant. The law would require that you have a resident manager on both lots.

(Taken from Apartment Owners Association News; March 2009)