When a tenant rents a residential apartment, they usually provide a security deposit. As a landlord, your initial goal for this deposit may simply be to protect yourself if the tenant fails to pay their rent. You already have a certain amount of money on file that you...
Goode | Hemme Legal Blog
Landlord actions that may lead to harassment claims
Landlords have the right to enforce lease terms and protect their property, but those rights have legal limits. Certain conduct intended to pressure a tenant into leaving a rental unit may expose a property owner to liability under California landlord/tenant law....
Does an easement eventually expire under California law?
Easements grant neighbors, local businesses or utility companies access to private property. Easements can make a landlocked parcel accessible or allow one property owner to use resources present on an adjacent parcel, such as sources of surface water. Easements can...
How to deal with a roommate who won’t leave
A roommate who refuses to move out can create stress fast, especially when you share bills, space or a lease. Even if the person is not paying rent, they may still have certain housing rights under landlord/tenant law. That means changing locks, removing belongings...
What should you include in an early lease termination clause?
When drafting a lease contract for your tenants, an important clause to include is terms for early cancellation. Some renters may need to end their lease before their contract is up, and well-defined terms for early cancellations protect the rights of both parties and...
What happens when one side breaks a contract
When agreements are made, both sides usually expect the other to follow through. Whether the contract involves a business deal, construction projects or a service agreement, people often rely on those promises when making important financial decisions. When one side...
Did a seller fail to disclose a recent death at a home?
Real estate disclosure laws primarily focus on defects that impact the use of a property, such as issues with the HVAC system or problems with the plumbing. However, those selling homes may also sometimes need to disclose facts about the property that can affect its...
How to solve easements and boundary disputes
Property disputes can arise when neighbors are unsure about where one property ends and another begins. These issues often involve easements or unclear boundary lines. Resolving these conflicts early is important to avoid long-term complications. With the right...
Partnership disputes: what to do when things go wrong
Partnerships can be a great way to build and grow a business. When they work well, partners complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and share the risks and rewards. Still, it’s not unusual for disagreements to arise between partners. If they aren’t resolved...
3 errors that can cost business owners their liability protection
Forming an LLC or corporation is one of the smartest ways to protect your personal assets from business debts and legal claims. It creates a legal separation between you and your business. However, that protection isn’t absolute. It all depends on how you run your...

