Under federal, state, and local laws, landlords and rental property managers must provide certain information to tenants about the property and its surroundings.
This information shared by landlords with tenants is known as disclosures. And California law requires some of them to even be included in lease agreements. There are disclosures that are relevant to the property, and others that have to do with services, rights of the landlord, and the area and surroundings in which the house is located.
In the event that a landlord does not comply with these provisions, the consequences may result in the form of penalties, and/or lawsuits by the tenants.
California Tenant Disclosure Requirements
It is crucial that this information be provided before tenants sign a lease, so tenants can make a more informed decision and avoid future problems.
Some of these disclosures in the State of California include:
· The state and current operation of gas and electricity installations.
· Presence of toxic mold in the home
· Presence of lead-based paint
· Information on the presence, possible presence, and management of pests. It is important to give tenants information about any existing pests, any pests that have been eradicated, and how to prevent one from appearing. For example, provide information about bed bugs, what they look like, how they behave, and under what conditions they can appear.
· Flood risks. It is important for the landlord to inform tenants if the home is in a floodplain, along with additional information about emergency services.
The lawyers at the law firm Friedman & Chapman can help you in case you have a problem with your rental unit and which you were not previously informed about. Contact us today!