Securing a commercial space for your new business is an exciting milestone. However, commercial leases in California work very differently from residential ones. The law gives you far fewer automatic protections, so the lease contract carries almost all of the weight....
Real Estate Law
What is an easement by necessity in California?
Easements are a legal arrangement that gives a non-owner the right to use another person’s property. There are several different types of easements, one of which is the easement by necessity. This type of easement is needed when a parcel of land isn’t accessible...
What should landlords know about evictions?
For most landlords, having to evict a tenant is a dreaded task and often one that’s used only as a last resort. Eviction is a legal process that requires landlords to follow very specific procedures before they can remove the tenant from the property. Landlords in...
3 clauses every commercial lease should have to avoid conflict
The line between a thriving business and a costly dispute often comes down to your commercial lease. As a California business owner, your lease should support a strong working relationship with your landlord. Clear terms on responsibilities, maintenance and exit...
How the California courts resolve boundary disputes
Boundary disputes can theoretically affect any type of real property. Businesses and individuals might try to access, use or even build on property that technically belongs to someone else. When property owners realize that someone else has started using their land or...
Can you use a residential property for business purposes?
As you start a business or expand an existing operation, the process may require purchasing real estate. You may also have noticed businesses operating out of what appear to be residential properties. For example, a law office may be located in an older home in a...
4 types of property misrepresentation in real estate deals
In real estate, what you see is not always what you get, especially in property misrepresentation. This can lead to serious problems for both buyers and sellers in California, such as canceling the sale or seeking damages. Knowing how misrepresentation works and what...
What happens when an easement ends due to a merger?
Easements provide access to real property or to the resources contained on real property, such as water. Neighbors and utility companies are among the parties who may pursue or hold an easement. Easements could allow a local electrical company to access supply lines...
Law helps Californians avoid being victims of “home equity theft”
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill into law that closes what’s been called the “last major loophole” in property tax foreclosures. What does that mean? When homeowners become delinquent on their property taxes, the local government can foreclose on the property...
How landlords can prevent slip and trip claims
Keeping your rental property safe is not just about comfort; it’s also part of your legal responsibility. When a tenant or visitor slips or trips on your property, you could face a liability claim. That’s why taking steps to prevent these accidents is essential for...

