Keeping our eyes on the bigger picture while skillfully managing the more mundane details of landlord-tenant relationships.



Let’s look ahead to new laws for residential landlords to follow in 2025. Brace for impact.

In a heated political season, there is a lot we know, and a lot we don’t know.

With California lawmakers closing the curtain on the 2024 legislative session, there will be no additional surprises on the state level. 

While ballot initiatives are uncertain, we have a good handle on what politicians have passed in Sacramento, so let’s review them. 

Pivoting to commercial tenancies, there will be unique protections for small fish who have had little clout in negotiating with their landlords until now.

Normally, we associate tenant protections with apartment dwellers, not commercial tenants deemed to be savvy, sophisticated, and able to fend for themselves.

A new law will turn this presumption on its head, making certain small merchants and other enterprises "qualified commercial tenants" entitled to protections that mirror those of residential renters.

The way foreclosed properties are purchased will soon change. 

AB 2424 recognizes that for many Californians, a home is their only substantial asset and that homeowners can fall behind on their mortgage payments due to unforeseen circumstances. 

This new legislation aims to preserve a portion of a homeowner’s lifetime investments in the property while assuring lenders get repaid.

Ironically, the only constant in life and business is change. 

We can’t predict the future but we can do the next best thing by giving informed advice in whatever regulatory regime comes to pass after voters go to the polls in a couple of weeks. 

As it comes down to the wire, we urge our landlording community to donate to industry partners that are fervently trying to inject a last-minute infusion of cash to provide a counter-narrative to radical tenants’ advocates that will harm housing providers and, in the case of Proposition 33, decimate the industry. 

A heartfelt thanks to our loyal followers and a warm welcome to new ones. Should you have any questions, please email me at daniel@bornstein.law. If the matter requires more involvement, we can schedule a more in-depth conversation. 

Dedicated to your real estate success, 

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