The importance of a lease agreement cannot be stressed enough and is there to protect both the renter and the landlord. In fact, leases are one of three contracts that California’s Statute of Frauds requires in writing. Approaching a lease agreement as a first-time tenant can be intimidating. It is best to know some of the common terms of these contracts, and what they mean to you.

1. Tenant List
   If you plan on living with another person and they are not your dependent, you must include them on the lease agreement. This makes both of you legally culpable for upholding the contents of the lease.
2. Cost
   In any lease, the cost of rent per month should be clearly noted and explained. The conditions in which the landlord can raise the rent, the conditions that would allow a tenant not to pay rent, and all additional pricing information should be fully detailed on the lease.
3. Term
   The duration the lease will last, the protocol for subletting, and consequences for early termination on either the tenant’s or landlord’s end must all be delineated.
4. Right To Entry
   A landlord has the right to enter your apartment if they’ve given you notice or in the case of an emergency. The laws vary based on location, so it is best to specify conditions both parties can agree upon.
5. Utilities
   Who pays for the utilities? If the landlord advertises the property as having gas and electric included, make sure this is reflected in the contract.
6. Maintenance
   Who takes care of what? Generally, any property damage or negligence that you caused will come out of your security deposit. On the other hand, any mechanical failures of the property are generally on your landlord to fix. Make sure a fair division of responsibility is reflected in the lease.
7. Security Deposit
   Many landlords simply pocket your security deposit and you’ll never see it again. To avoid this, take pictures before you move in and after you move out. In the lease, read the section about your security deposit to see what it covers, and what your landlord is allowed to use it for.

Lease agreements exist to protect the personal property rights of both the tenant and the landlord. In order to ensure you are signing a fair document, read it carefully. If you are still unsure, run it by a real estate attorney for further clarification. When in doubt, always consult a lawyer about property law cases you don’t fully understand.

Property disputes can be stressful for landlords and tenants alike. In some cases, a property dispute can even escalate to a court setting wherein the judge will hear the trial within 20 days of the filed request.

However, many landlords and tenants prefer to keep their disputes out of the court setting. This is what makes property dispute mediation an often preferred method of action.

Depending on the situation, a property dispute mediation may be necessary. However, there are ways in which you can help to prevent property disputes from occurring by avoiding the following disagreements.

1. Cleaning the property
   One of the most common property disputes often involves the cleaning of the property. Should the tenant leave the property in a condition that’s worse for wear in comparison to the original state of the property, a dispute between the property owner and the tenant may result. To avoid this type of dispute, the property owner should supply the tenant with a copy of their lease agreement reminding the tenant of the condition of the property prior to their residence. This will help to provide a reference for the tenant.
2. Property damage
   The second most common property law dispute involves damage done to the property. While tenants must take care to avoid causing property damage while they live in residence on the property, the property owner should always be reasonable in regards to wear and tear. To avoid disputes regarding property damage relating to hanging wall fixtures, etc, it’s recommended that property owners suggest alternative hanging options to their tenants.
3. Cost of repairs
   Property repairs are often necessary, but the cost of the repairs are often disputed between tenants and property owners. For a property owner to touch the money in a tenant’s security deposit, they must have a significant case for claiming it. In order to avoid real estate law disputes involving cost of repairs, it’s best to be as transparent as possible regarding the price of the repairs.

Disagreements regarding property can’t always be avoided. Should your dispute escalate, property dispute mediation may be in your best interest. Contact a real estate lawyer today at DiJulio Law Group for more information regarding property law mediation.

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There are multiple legal requirements every homeowner should be aware of when selling a home in the state of California. Being aware of these real estate law requirements will help you avoid potential liability after the sale of the home, but it will also make the process itself much easier to understand.

Your real estate lawyer will most likely assist you during the sale of the home. However, it’s beneficial to be in the know about these property laws to ensure the procedures, disclosures, and transactions proceed as smoothly as possible.

You must disclose all adverse information about the property
According to California real estate law, property sellers must disclose any information about the property to the potential buyers that may make the property less appealing or may reduce property value in any way. For instance, should a death occur on the property within three years of the sale, you must disclose this information to the potential buyers under California real estate law.

A property seller may face severe legal consequences should they fail to disclose any adverse information about the property. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s necessary to disclose specific information, consult your real estate attorney or simply include the information to be safe. Additionally, this information must be handwritten.

Escrow agents are necessary for California home sellers
In the state of California, home buyers and sellers are required to use an escrow agent and company during the sale of the house. The home seller will place the deed of the house in escrow and the home buyer will deposit the funds for the home in escrow.

During this time, the escrow company will hold onto both the deed and funds until the legal conditions of the sale are complete. However, it’s important to know the differences of escrow according to the home seller’s location.

For instance, an independent escrow company is typically used in Southern California, whereas in Northern California the escrow agent during the transaction is typically the same as the title company. Ultimately, who pays for and who performs the escrow services may be decided by the home seller and buyer.

A transfer tax may need to be paid by the home seller
A document proving the change of ownership of a property must be recorded at the California county recorder’s office when a property is transferred from a home seller to a home buyer. And, naturally, a transfer tax is imposed at this time by the county. In some cases, the tax may also be imposed by the city of the home seller.

The real estate industry standard typically requires the home seller to pay the transfer tax when the property is being sold in Southern California. The transfer tax is often paid by the homebuyer should the property be sold in Northern California. However, as in the case of the escrow services, who pays the transfer tax can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller before closing on the home.

It’s always beneficial to understand the real estate laws in your state, especially since these rules can vary widely across state borders. For more information on California real estate contracts and real estate law terms, contact DiJulio Law Group today.