The California State Legislature is considering Assembly Bill (AB) 2216, a measure introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, that would force landlords to permit pets in residential rental properties. Specifically, the proposed legislation restricts a landlord from barring a tenant from owning or keeping a common household pet without valid justification. The bill also prevents landlords from charging tenants extra rent or security deposits for owning or keeping a common household pet. However, these restrictions do not apply to rental agreements signed before January 1, 2025.Continue Reading Unleashing AB 2216: Will Fido Have a Leg Up on Landlords?
Meigan Everett
Meigan Everett is an associate in the Real Estate, Energy, Land Use & Environmental Practice Group in the firm's Los Angeles office.
A Landlord’s Guide to Assistive Animals
Pamela Westhoff and Meigan Everett’s article “A Landlord’s Guide to Assistive Animals” was recently featured in the Daily Journal. The article broaches the topic of pets in the workplace, including: the difference between service animals and emotional support animals (in the context of commercial tenants and landlords); legal definitions of the two categories of assistive animals; related contractual, verification, and disclosure issues to consider; leasing industry guidance on this topic; and additional tips on preventing or resolving disputes.Continue Reading A Landlord’s Guide to Assistive Animals
Navigating California’s New Foreclosure Laws: A Guide for Institutions
In the ever-evolving landscape of residential real estate, California is once again at the forefront with the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1837 and AB 2170, which became effective on January 1, 2023. Aimed at increasing homeownership for individual residents, these laws build upon the groundwork laid by Senate Bill (SB) 1079 in 2020, which required institutions to sell foreclosed homes individually instead of in bundles, in an effort to create more affordable housing and community stability by limiting when investors can purchase foreclosed homes. The new law, codified in California Civil Code section 2923 et seq., extends SB 1079’s protections until January 1, 2031.Continue Reading Navigating California’s New Foreclosure Laws: A Guide for Institutions