PROPERTY LAW

While paint and other repairs may not be cause to break the lease under habitability issues, the pending repairs may be enough to get a small claims judge to teminate the lease. Carefully document your attempts to get the repairs made in a reasonable time. Send a polite letter by registered mail, return receipt requested, […]

“in rem” Adj. from Latin “against or about a thing,” referring to a lawsuit or other legal action directed toward property, rather than toward a particular person. Thus, if title to property is the issue, the action is “in rem.” The term is important since the location of the property determines which court has jurisdiction […]

An escrow is an independent, 3rd party who holds the money of one party and the documents needed to transfer title of the other party. When all the instructions previously given by the two parties to the escrow (seller and buyer) have been satisfied the escrow officer will give the money to the seller and […]

If you want to build an addition or a deck, install an in-ground swimming pool, or make major alterations to your home, you usually must first obtain a clearance from your local zoning board. Before work begins, you’ll also need to obtain (for a fee) a building permit from your local building department, the agency […]

A legal relationship created when a person gives property to someone else for safekeeping. To create a bailment the other party must knowingly have exclusive control over the property. The receiver must use reasonable care to protect the property.

RENTAL HOUSING AND REPAIRS: WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT AND HOW TO GET REPAIRS MADE (California laws discussed below are similar to many if not most state laws and make a good guide to the basic issues. Check for variations in your own state before acting on any information herein.) A rental unit must be fit […]