Maintaining and renovating rental properties is essential for attracting quality renters and preserving property value. Regular maintenance tasks, such as inspecting HVAC systems, addressing plumbing issues, and ensuring safety features like smoke detectors are operational, can prevent costly repairs and improve renter satisfaction.

When planning renovations, prioritize upgrades that enhance functionality and appeal, such as modernizing kitchens and bathrooms or adding energy-efficient features. Always obtain the necessary permits for major projects to avoid legal issues. Keep detailed records of maintenance and renovation expenses, as many may be tax-deductible.

Finally, schedule work during renter turnovers whenever possible to minimize disruption, and communicate clearly with renters about maintenance schedules to build trust and ensure compliance with local habitability standards.

Alameda County Minor Home Repair Grants

https://www.achhd.org/programs/housing-rehab/index.htm

Renew Alameda County – Home Repair Low Interest Loans

https://www.renewac.org

Habitat for Humanity – Home Repair Program

https://www.habitatebsv.org/services/home-repair

Rebuilding Together – Safe at Home Program

https://rebuildingtogether.org/safe-at-home

Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? For many homeowners, their home is their biggest asset. To protect it, homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments should know their rights and act fast to work with their mortgage servicers to find solutions.

Homeowner’s Guide to Success

https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/Housing/documents/RevUpdHmownSuc121518fnl.pdf

A-1 Community Housing – Mortgage Delinquency & Home Preservation Services

https://www.a1chs.org/home-preservation-counseling

California Mortgage Relief Program

camortgagerelief.org

Are you a small low-income landlord facing foreclosure? These resources may be able to help.

Guide to Avoiding and Dealing with Foreclosure

• Tenants Rights in Foreclosed Properties (pdf)
• Foreclosure Resource List for Homeowners (pdf)
• Foreclosure Resource List for Tenants (pdf)
• Information on California’s Foreclosure Process (pdf)
• Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure (pdf)

In addition to this information, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has valuable information to assist homeowners in distress.

• www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/foreclosure

How can housing providers minimize the risk of eviction?

Housing providers can minimize the risk of eviction by conducting thorough tenant screenings, maintaining clear and consistent communication with the renter, promptly addressing maintenance issues, and resolving disputes through mediation or negotiation whenever possible.

How long does the eviction process typically take for a housing provider in the East Bay area?

The eviction process timeline can vary depending on factors such as local court schedules and renter responses. Generally, it can take anywhere from two months to six months to complete the eviction process.

Are you seeking legal recourse for back rent? Small claims court for rental housing providers offers self-help resources.

Small Claims Guidance on Rental Debt

See Alameda County’s Flyer for the steps and deadlines in the eviction process

The Self-help Desk at the Alameda County Superior Court provides legal information and resources to self-represent court customers. Assistance may be in the form of private appointments, referrals, Live Chat, and/or telephonic assistance. Self Help | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Meet with a HUD certified counselor to explain various options to prevent foreclosure.

• Visit HUD Website COVID-19: Resources for Homeowners | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Find Housing Counselor at HUD Housing Counselors | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The East Bay Rental Housing Association

3664 Grand Ave., Suite B, Oakland, CA  95610

0.893.9873

Rental Housing Association of Southern Alameda County

1264 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541

www.rhasouthernala.com | 510.537.0340

Berkeley Property Owners Association

2041 Bancroft Way Suite #204, Berkeley, California 94704

www.bpoa.org  |  510.525.3666

Lease agreements are EXTREMELY important in rental housing because they establish the rights and responsibilities of both the rental owner and the renter, and provide a clear understanding of what happens if either party breaks the terms.

DO NOT pull a boiler plate lease agreement from the internet.  Contact your Local Rental Housing Association and obtain an updated lease agreement that is compliant with all local laws and regulations.  

Here are some things that a lease agreement should include:

• Rent: The amount of rent, including the security deposit, fees, and payment terms 
• Lease duration: The length of time the lease is in effect 
• Maintenance and repairs: The responsibilities of each party for maintenance and repairs 
• Pet policy: If the rental is pet-friendly, the policy should specify the approved pets and any fees or deposits 
• Property description: A detailed description of the property, including its address and any personal property included in the lease 
• Right of entry: Guidelines for when the rental owner, or property manager can enter the property 
• Disruptive activities: Details on what is considered disruptive or illegal on the property 
• Property damage: Details on property damage, alterations, and upkeep 
• Early termination: Charges related to ending the lease early 

Several insurance companies offer rental property insurance in California, including Obie, Travelers, and Safeco. But coverage availability varies by ZIP code, so you’ll need to get a quote to know for sure which companies offer the coverage you need.

Whether you’re renting out your property in the long term (like a yearly lease) or the short term (such as a home listed on AirBnB), you’ll need to have the right insurance coverage in place to make sure you’re fully protected in case of damage or liability issues.

Owners are encouraged to have insurance for coverage against wrongful eviction especially in Just Cause/eviction controlled jurisdictions. Rent laws in California and the Bay Area make it lucrative for residents to sue owners. Many local eviction ordinances allow residents to recover damages if they prevail in litigation.

Lead Paint Hazard Repair Funding

https://www.achhd.org/programs/leadfunding.htm

Rental housing income is subject to taxation, so it’s crucial for property owners to stay informed and organized to maximize deductions and remain compliant. Keep meticulous records of all rental-related income and expenses, including property maintenance, repairs, insurance, and property management fees, as many of these can be deducted to lower taxable income. Depreciation is another valuable deduction, allowing owners to spread the cost of the property over its useful life. Be mindful of tracking any upgrades or major renovations separately, as these may impact your depreciation calculations. Additionally, consider consulting a tax professional to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax laws and to identify any tax-saving opportunities, such as 1031 exchanges for reinvestment.

If you own rental real estate, you should be aware of your federal tax responsibilities. All rental income must be reported on your tax return, and in general the associated expenses can be deducted from your rental income.

Learn more at the IRS website:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tips-on-rental-real-estate-income-deductions-and-recordkeeping

Are you thinking of selling your rental property? Here are some tips for rental properties in California:

Consider the Market – Consider factors like cash flow, repair costs, real estate market conditions, and your investment goals. 

Maintain renter relations – Give your renters time to decide if they want to move, and provide advanced notice before showings. Keep renters informed about the sale and any changes that may affect their tenancy. 

Pay your renters to leave – If you would like your property to be empty when you sell, you can pay your renter to vacate. This could include paying for movers, a month’s rent in their new space, or their security deposit. 

Wait for lease expiration – Renters have the right to stay through the lease term unless the lease has an early termination clause. 

Find a real estate agent – A real estate agent can help you sell the property faster and earn more on the sale. 

Consider a 1031 Exchange – A 1031 Exchange can be a tool to defer capital gains, depreciation recapture, and net investment income taxes. However, 1031 Exchanges can be complicated transactions, so you should become familiar with IRS rules and timing requirements. 

Other ways to avoid capital gains tax – You can also avoid capital gains tax by buying and selling real estate through a retirement account, gifting your property into a charitable remainder trust, converting your rental property to a primary residence, or using tax-loss harvesting.