There may come a time when you will have to ask for a rent reduction from your landlord. Rent is often the most significant expense for commercial tenants, and a slight decrease can greatly impact your business's profitability. When is it possible to negotiate a lower...
Not A Deal Breaker
Year: 2024
Pre-listing inspection can save you from future disputes
As a seller, you naturally want the transaction to be as smooth as possible before you hand over the keys to your property. Still, disputes may arise, deals may fall apart and you might encounter legal troubles. A key step to avoid such situations often involves...
Do small-scale projects need a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR)?
Usually, they don’t. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) if there is strong evidence that a project might significantly affect the environment. The detail in an EIR should match the project’s size, so smaller...
10 provisions to consider when licensing your IP
Licensing intellectual property (IP) can help businesses grow, generate revenue and expand their market. It allows the licensor, or the owner of the IP, to cut production and distribution costs. It allows the licensee, or the party receiving permission to use the IP,...
Tenants: Beware of self-help eviction
Renting a home in California comes with certain rights and protections. As a tenant, you might face challenges with your landlord, but it is crucial to understand that there are legal safeguards to protect you. Some landlords may try to take matters into their own...
Avoiding common licensing pitfalls
As a business owner, developing your intellectual property (IP) makes sense. The next logical step would be to license it. However, you need to gain more knowledge about the licensing process to avoid common traps. Understanding the licensing process and avoiding...
Can a landlord conduct a wellness check on a tenant?
It is a landlord’s job to rent out properties to tenants and to make sure that these are habitable and safe to live in. In fulfilling their duties, it is possible that a property manager develops cordial and even friendly relationships with tenants over the course of...
Copyright or copyleft: When is copyleft appropriate to use?
Some people say you use copyright to enrich yourself while you use copyleft to enrich the world. Copyright and copyleft are both intellectual property (IP) rights concepts that allow others to use IP that is not theirs legally. However, while copyright is more...
Housing conditions: What are your rights as a tenant?
In California, landlords are responsible for following state and city housing regulations. Knowing these laws may help renters understand their rights in case of disputes. As a tenant, you have the right to live in habitable housing conditions. Moreover, you may take...
What you need to know about property covenants and easements
Understanding property covenants and easements is crucial for homeowners. These legal terms can affect how you use your property and what you can do with it. Property covenants Property covenants are rules that limit what you can do with your property. Developers or...