Q and A with Prop West

Q) Recently my building has been vandalized several times. I would like to install security cameras. Do I have to notify the tenants?

A) Video and audiotape can be great evidence for eviction cases. You do not need to notify the tenants.

Q and A with Prop West: Commercial

Q) I would like to raise the rent at my commercial unit more than 10%. How much notice must I give the tenant?

A) For commercial units to must give a 30-day notice in writing to the tenant by hand delivering it or by post it on the unit door and mailing a copy.

If this was a residential unit then you would have to give a 60-day written notice delivered by the same methods as above.

Q and A with Prop West

Q) Two roommates rent one of my units. One roommate filed a police report against the other and is now demanding that I change the locks so the other roommate will not have access to the unit. Is that the landlords responsibility?

A) Upon written request and with a copy of the court order or police report the landlord shall change the locks for the protected tenant within 24 hours. (Civil Code Section 1951.5 (b))

Q and A with Prop West: Rent Control

Rent Stabilization Updates: 1. Allowable Annual Rent Increase: The Los Angeles Rent Control annual rent increase for 2011 is currently 3% through June 30th and will remain 3% from July 1st, 2011 through June 30th, 2012. 2. City of Los Angeles Rent Registration was due February 28th, 2011. The cost is $18.71 per unit. The Los Angeles Division allows owners to pass-through one half of these fees ($9.35) with a 30-day notice, collectible in the month of June only. You must include a copy of the Rent Stabilization certificate to show proof that you paid the fees.

Q and A with Prop West

Q) My tenant has changed the locks on his apartment and refuses to give me a copy of the new key. I want to have a copy in case of an emergency. What should I do?

A) Per most rental agreements tenants are not allowed to alter the property. You should serve the tenant with a 3-day notice to cure or quit and if the tenant does not give you a copy of the key or move out within the 3-day period then you can begin eviction.

Q and A with Prop West: Rent Control

Q) I own a rent controlled building in Los Angeles and my tenants are always verbally complaining about one of the other tenants. He say he is noisy and disturbs them at all hours. I have warned this tenant in the past but now I think I need to take further action. What is the next step I should take?

A) First, send the noisy tenant a letter documenting the complaints and request that his actions stop immediately. Second, it would be a good idea to have the other tenants put their complaints in writing. Then if the noisy does not stop you can begin eviction based on the fact that the noisy tenant is a nuisance.

Q and A with Prop West: Evictions/Section 8

Q) One if my Section 8 tenants has not paid her rent and I have filed an unlawful detainer against her. Can I still accept the portion of rent that is paid by Section 8 or will that cancel my eviction?

A) As long as you don't accept any portion of rent from the tenant than you can accept Section 8's portion without it effecting the eviction.