due diligence – Renters Alliance

Now You See It, Now You Don’t: BH Landlord Names Disappear

April 11, 2023July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot due diligence

We long relied on the city’s property information portal called CitySmart when researching Beverly Hills landlords. We use a variety of sources and methods to hold landlords accountable, of course, but the CitySmart portal provided one essential piece of information not easily available: the name of the landlord. Now in a major step backward for transparency the city has summarily removed from that portal all of the landlord names. What’s behind this bit of “now you see it, now you don’t” sleight-of-hand?

Explainer

Due Diligence: How to Research the Landlord [Updated]

April 9, 2023July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot 149-159 S Maple, due diligence, Hank Dayani, Mark Elliot

Most tenants won’t need to research the landlord because the relationship is simply business: the tenant writes the check and the landlord provides the housing. But sometimes complications arise and it is useful to know the owner of the property. Not the property management company but the beneficial owner who profits from the enterprise. Here we share some tips on how we do our due diligence using city and state records.

Explainer

Tenant’s Challenge: Screening the Landlord

March 18, 2019March 25, 2024 Mark Elliot 152 S Peck, Community Preservation, due diligence, Ross Vaisburd

Time and again we hear stories about unprofessional or unscrupulous landlords and their managers. The ones that slow-roll repairs, engage in intimidation and harassment, and improperly withhold deposits. They are a minority of owners, sure, but tenants who do rent from these landlords share a lament: “I wish I had known before I rented.” Can a prospective tenant screen her future landlord?

Explainer

My Landlord is Asking for an Estoppel. Need I Sign It?

July 16, 2024July 29, 2024 Mark Elliot

An estoppel certificate is a legal document that simply establishes the terms and status of a rental agreement (or lease) for a third party like a prospective buyer. Typically a tenant is asked to complete an estoppel when purchase negotiations advance and that request may come from the current owner or an agent working on behalf of a prospective buyer. It is nothing to fear; it is a standard step in the sale of real property. In any case the lease or rental agreement may require the tenant to complete it. When presented with an estoppel to complete and sign you may have questions. Here is what you need to know.

Explainer