Learn more about common landlord-tenant issues and find out about all the latest developments in housing and eviction law by keeping current on our latest blog posts. Each post we tackle a different issue relevant to Bay Area tenants. In addition be sure to check out Daniel’s column “Ask a Tenant Lawyer” on the site Broke Ass Stuart. Have a suggestion for a topic? Contact us to let us know what you want to read about.
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In most cities, tenants don’t have to choose between finding a nice place to live and having a pet. Here in the Bay Area though, where the housing market is so tight, it’s a whole different story. In this article we explain the different local rules surrounding pets, support animals, and service animals for tenants. "No Pets" Lease Provisions Landlords have a right to prohibit tenants from having pets in their apartments. Because there is such high demand...
A common question we get from tenants is whether or not they have to sign a new lease. Depending on the situation signing a new lease may be obligatory or it may be completely inappropriate. In this article we discuss the various considerations. Tenants Cannot Refuse to Sign a Lease that is Materially Similar or the Same Under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, refusal to sign a new lease “for materially the same terms ” is one of...
The use of surveillance cameras by landlords may be legal. It also may constitute tenant harassment. Whether surveillance cameras are permissible depends on many factors, including location and use. Common Areas vs. Personal Space Tenants have a right to privacy in their home. Landlords cannot use cameras to track a tenant’s personal life. Pointing cameras at a tenant's private space can be a breach of a tenant’s quiet enjoyment, or tenant harassment. Landlords have a duty to provide...