Property Management News

Adopting a Judicial Standard for Tenant Appeals

The moment a property manager issues a denial letter, the professional relationship enters a high-stakes phase. While automated screening tools provide a necessary first layer of defense, they often lack the nuance required by modern fair housing standards.   The core conflict lies in the tension between a property’s need for uniform safety standards and the legal requirement to treat each applicant as an individual. When an applicant chooses to appeal a denial, the management team must shift from a simple gatekeeper to a deliberative body, akin to a court of law, to ensure the final decision is both fair and legally defensible.  The Evidence Phase of Individualized Assessment  In a... Read more

The short answer is yes — but not in the way most landlords think. Window cleaning does not add a fixed dollar amount to an appraisal. What it does is remove a visible...

In property management, first impressions are often discussed in terms of curb appeal, amenities, or the professionalism of a leasing agent. However, one of the most...

When Aron Sotnikoff got a letter from an attorney seeking a payout for an apartment tenant who slipped and fell in standing water at one of his firm’s...

In property management, it’s tempting to lean on zero-tolerance screening policies. They’re fast, efficient, and feel like a safe bet against discrimination claims....

Mission: Mastering Reasonable Accommodations

The natural instinct for any good property manager is to double-check everything. You have a duty to protect the property and follow the rules fairly for everyone on the rent roll. However, in the world of Fair Housing, that “trust but verify” mindset can actually become a major legal headache. The real challenge is mastering the “Calibration of Inquiry”—knowing exactly when to stick to the standard playbook and when the law requires you to be flexible.  Professionalism today is about realizing that strict policy and great customer service are actually on the same team. Your policy keeps things consistent, while a service-first approach ensures those... Read more

By Nate Bernstein, Managing Attorney of LA Real Estate Law Group and Moriah Foreman, summer legal intern at LARELG. What Is Chun v. Del Cid and Why It Matters for Los...

In property management, strong customer service is often praised as the key to successful leasing and resident retention. Leasing professionals are encouraged to be...

By Nate Bernstein, Esq., Managing Attorney of LA Real Estate Law Group If you are negotiating settlement in an unlawful detainer case in Court, outside of the courtroom,...

A new year is on the horizon and property owners are working through a market filled with high demand presenting a series of challenges. High mortgage rates and slow...