Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Dana Point

Find the right Tenant attorney in Dana Point, CA

Tenant Law in California

The relationship between a landlord and tenant in Dana Point, California can sometimes be a touchy one. Landlords and tenants are not always clear on their respective rights and responsibilities.

Tenants and landlords have several legal rights and responsibilities. In general, these rights don't conflict with one another, as long as both parties are clear about what they are, and act accordingly.

Landlord's Rights in Dana Point, CA

Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Furthermore, landlords can bill the tenant for any damage they cause to the unit, whether it was intentional or negligent. The costs of repairs for such damage can be deducted from a tenant's security deposit, but it should be noted that tenants aren't liable for ordinary wear and tear, over which they have little control.

Tenant's Rights in Dana Point, CA

At the most basic level, tenants have a basic right to what they're paying for: a habitable living environment. Therefore, landlords in Dana Point, California must ensure that the units they rent to tenants meet some basic standards for human habitation. These requirements vary from state to state, but are often fairly easy to meet. There are no legal requirements that rented units be pretty, particularly spacious, or luxurious. They simply have to be fit for human beings to live in them. To be considered "habitable," rented units must have water, electricity, some form of heating (if the local climate necessitates it), and adequate protection from the elements (proper insulation, no roof leaks, windows that close, etc.).

Additionally, tenants have rights to common areas that are free of physical obstructions, as well as serious health and safety hazards. Common areas are the places in apartment buildings and other residential complexes which every tenant can access, and include hallways, stairwells, and fire escapes. In Dana Point, California, these areas must be kept in a safe condition, at the landlord's expense.

A tenant also has a right, under federal law and the laws of California to be free from discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, or gender. Landlords can also not discriminate against persons with disabilities, and must make reasonable accommodations for those disabilities.

And finally, most state laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily evicting tenants. If the lease agreement is for a set period of time, the landlord generally can't evict the tenant until the lease expires, without a good reason. Valid causes for eviction include unpaid rent, illegal activities on the property, damage to the building caused by the tenant, and excessive noise.

Can a Dana Point, California Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Tenants and landlords always want to avoid getting into any serious disputes - these disputes interfere with the tenant's living arrangement, and the landlord's business. In short, they help nobody. While a good Dana Point, California attorney can certainly help his or her client prevail in such a dispute, they may be more valuable for their ability to help prevent such disputes from escalating in the first place.

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Life in Dana Point

Dana Point, California is situated in the southern area of Orange County, near the western coast. It is known for its mild climate and warm temperatures, typical of a California coastal city. Dana Point has a population of over 33,000 and is a favored location for surfing. It was named after the Dana Point headlands.

Dana Point's city motto is, "Harboring the Good Life", which speaks of both its harbor culture and its laid-back atmosphere. Popular places to visit include Dana Point Harbor, Salt Creek Beach Park, and Doheny State Beach Park. These locations provide excellent locations for outdoor activities such as surfing, picnics, and beach sports. In its early history, Dana Point, California has been described as "the only romantic spot on the coast".

It goes without saying that many of the events and attractions in Dana Point, California revolve around its beautiful beaches. These include the "Festival of Whales" and the "Tall Ships Festival". The annual Dana Point Grand Prix is a bike race winding through downtown and continuing on to some spectacular, breathtaking views. Many of the beach areas also feature local shopping, fine seafood dining, and boutique shops.

Lawyers in Dana Point, California assist the community in a broad range of legal topics. Some of the legal issues and laws in Dana Point may be specific to the area. Experienced Dana Point lawyers can provide legal services that are tailored to meet the needs of city residents.

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