REALTORS® OUTLOOK
By Kay Wilson-Bolton
President, Ventura County Coastal Assn of REALTORS®
November 12, 2000
January 2001 will bring into effect many news laws that will change how we live. Some are more significant than others, but all of them will impact the way we do business and our quality of life.
In 1999 the US Court of Appeals decided that a landlord did not have to rent to unmarried coupes if it would offend your religious beliefs. (Thomas v. Anchorage Equal Rights Commission).
That court recently withdrew its option, largely on technical grounds leaving open the possibility that it could find its way back into the courts.
In other new laws, SB 1745 requires landlords to notify tenants 60 days before a proposed rent increase of more than ten percent. Current law requires 30 days. This bill sunsets on January 1, 2006, unless another law extends it.
The Pet Bill AB 860 ensures that all homeowners are entitled to keep a companion pet with them in the home they own ad occupy, including those who own condominiums ad mobile homes.
AB 2239 limits the types of repairs or improvements that management of a mobile home park can require when an owner is selling or transferring their mobile home. The bill also provides that management may only require repairs or improvements to a mobile home that are based upon a local ordinance or state statue or regulation.
The new graffiti liens bill authorizes local governments to impose liens on the property of all individuals who are convicted of graffiti vandalism. Current law only imposes liens on the property lf convicted minors or their parent or guardian.
SB 2143 requires that the landlord of a residential dwelling unit must provide each new tenant that occupies a unit with a copy of a notice provided by a registered structural pest control company if a contract for periodic pest control serviced has been executed.
AB 996 specifics that a lender or trustee has satisfied the requirements for returning a mortgage or deed of trust to the owner I a timely manner by sending a copy of the document in recordable form to the county recorder’s officers. The bill also requires the county recorder to record these documents within two business days of receipt.
Making laws is what legislators do and the California Association of REALTORS® is in the middle of any law that affects homeownership or property rights.
When buying or selling your next home, choose a REALTOR®. There is a difference and you can benefit. For more information, contact Randy McCaslin, CEO, Ventura County Coastal Assn of REALTORS® at 981.2100. Our website is http://www.vc-realtors.com
