Choosing tenants, raising the rent, returning deposits, and maintaining rental property--these are just a few of the things landlords do that are strictly regulated by California law. To minimize vacancies and avoid lawsuits, property owners and managers need to know and comply with federal, state, and local rules, and use the proper legal forms. Fortunately, everything you need is in this book.

State-wide rent control and eviction restrictions, plus dozens of local laws, make raising the rent and terminating tenancies a complex challenge.

• screen prospective tenants--without discriminating illegally


• prepare (and enforce) leases and rental agreements


• determine whether the state-wide rent control and eviction protection
  law applies to your property


• collect and return security deposits


• raise the rent and change other terms of the tenancy


• hire, work with, and fire property managers


• keep up with repairs and maintenance


• restrict subletting and short-term rentals


• act promptly when rent is late, and


• terminate a tenancy.