Managing your properties in LA can be very tricky, not just because the city of Los Angeles is huge, but also because different parts of the city will have different regulations for different zones and different types of property. Here are some of the most important tips about managing your LA properties from real estate lawyers.
Find A Good Real Estate Lawyer
The fastest, most accurate, and most efficient way to manage your LA properties that’s well within the legal parameters of the city, the county, and the state. Yes, it’s tempting to save that money so you can get yourself something nice, but it may cost you in the long run.
Real estate lawyers in Los Angeles are experts in the often-complex legalities of the city’s real estate market, and they will be more than familiar with the jargon, the precedents, and the minute details about property laws, from building codes and real property tax to zoning and building permits.
If you have multiple properties in Los Angeles located in various parts of the cities, you’re going to need a real estate lawyer who is well versed in the property management laws of LA to ensure that you are as far from any kind of violation as possible. Remember: legal violations aren’t just expensive; they could even cost you your property (if the violation is extreme enough).
Could you manage your LA properties without a real estate lawyer? Sure, but you’d be depriving yourself of an expert who can help you go through each and every contract you’ll be signing (and in property management in LA, you’re going to be going through a lot of contracts!) throughout your management duties.
Keep Everything Up To Code
Property management laws in LA are tricky. Because of the size of the city, different zones can sometimes overlap with one another, while one district might claim jurisdiction over another. It’s tricky, it’s complicated, and if you have multiple properties spread across the city, keeping everything up to code can be a very difficult task indeed.
But why is it important to keep your buildings up to code? That’s because certain violations, depending on the type of building, can result in criminal charges. Examples of building code violations that could result in prosecution include, but are not limited to:
- Dangerous mold
- Vermin infestation
- Residential buildings not deemed habitable
- Faulty plumbing
- Fire hazards
If a building is not up to code, the City of Los Angeles may deem it appropriate to file charges; however, if the City believes the violation to be serious enough, they may hand it off to the District Attorney’s office, where it will be prosecuted as a federal felony.
Of course, if you have a good real estate lawyer helping you with your property management in LA, this would never happen. A good real estate lawyer will help you get every single one of your properties up to code, depending on the district and the zone that those properties are in.
Know Your Way Around Rental Laws
Renters in Los Angeles are given a lot of protection by the Federal government, especially after the pandemic of 2020, where the Federal government enacted measures to ensure that as few people as possible are evicted. This makes sense, but as a landlord, you should know that you have legal protections too.
Rental laws in LA are regulated by the city, and while Federal laws protect certain types of renters who might have missed payments, know that it doesn’t excuse all delinquent tenants. There are laws that govern the requirements for the minimum amount of time you need to give your tenant a chance to pay their rent before asking them to move out, the maximum amount you can charge them for bounced checks, and so on and so forth.
Different parts of the city will have different guidelines for different zones and for different types of properties. Again, it will be in your best interest to get a real estate lawyers to help you with your property management, but if you’re brave enough to try it on your own, you’re more than welcome to test your skills at your earliest convenience.
Take The Guess Work Out Of Real Estate Management With Us!
Real estate lawyers in Los Angeles are your best sources for all things property management in the city. Here at The Law Office R. Grace Rodriguez, we have the necessary skills and knowledgebase to help you navigate the complex world of property management in Los Angeles. Contact us, today, to learn more about how our services can help you.