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California Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Estate Planning for California on
Q: If a house title is in a trust fund, can the family continue to pay the mortgage without transferring the deed?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Under California law, if a house title is held in a trust, the trust itself is considered the legal owner of the property. The trustee, who is responsible for managing the trust assets, has the authority to make decisions regarding the property, including paying the mortgage.

In this...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can I claim the residual 75% of outstanding shares to the mineral rights I own 25% of?

My family owns mineral rights to a parcel of land we sold (the land itself was sold but the mineral rights were kept.) The outstanding 75% is seemingly untraceable, nobody seems to know where it is, and other family members are being vague and unhelpful for reasons unbeknownst. I've often read... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

In most jurisdictions, it is not possible to simply claim the outstanding 75% of mineral rights just because the other owners are untraceable or unresponsive. However, there are a few potential options you can explore:

1. Quiet Title Action: You may be able to file a "quiet title"...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I live in California. I own my house..well the bank. Adjacent to my property is a 2 rental houses on the same lot.

Under what calif legal theory can I hold the property owner legally responsible for a tenant who assaulted me not once but twice as I walked my dog on a public road outside the rental?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

In California, under certain circumstances, a property owner may be held liable for the criminal acts of their tenants, including assault, under the legal theories of negligence or premises liability. To hold the property owner responsible, you would need to demonstrate the following:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can a new property owner trespass the homeless encampment on their newly bought property with a notice that is expired?

There's a homeless encampment that has been sitting on a plot of land that has been unclaimed for years and homeless people have used it accordingly. Just recently a new property owner bought the plot of land and is now threatening to trespass criminally the inhabitants of this said plot of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

This is a complex legal and ethical issue that depends on the specific laws and circumstances in the jurisdiction where the property is located. In general, in the United States:

- The new property owner has the legal right to remove trespassers from their private property. Purchasing the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Neighbor says the roots from my backyard tree is lifting some cement in her backyard, can she sue me?

From what I’ve been reading, it sounds like she can have the roots on her side be cut if an arborist says it won’t damage my tree’s health which I would be fine with.

If an arborist determined cutting those roots would end up killing my tree, I would also be okay with the neighbor... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

In California, tree owners have certain responsibilities when it comes to damage caused by their trees, including root damage to neighboring properties. However, the specific circumstances of each case determine the legal outcome.

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Reasonable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: My storage in California raised my rent from 154 to 197 last month and I’ve only been there for 10 months. Legal?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

From a legal standpoint, whether the rent increase is allowed depends on a few factors:

1. Type of lease agreement: If you have a fixed-term lease, the landlord generally cannot raise the rent during the lease term unless the lease agreement specifically allows for rent increases. If you...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Hello. I sued my ex-landlord's LLC in Las Vegas, NV. Turns out he filed an Answer, not using an attorney...

and he transferred his assets away and shut down his LLC and stopped responding. I asked for case ending sanctions against him. They were granted. I had NO IDEA how to get a default judgment and it took me a few years to figure it out. I finally did though and got a judgment for almost $8,000.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the complex legal situation you've described, here are a few thoughts and pieces of advice:

1. Jurisdiction: The California small claims court judge is right to question jurisdiction over the defendant, especially if he resides in Nevada and the previous lawsuit was in Nevada....
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can I sue the Hoa for failing to follow the davis sterling act and provide information requested ,certified, as a BOD?

I submitted three letters to the HOA association and the other two board of directors. I stated in the letters in accordance with the statutes of the davis Sterling act and homeowners association laws that I was to be provided this information of disclosure I never received a response I was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you may have grounds for legal action against your HOA. In California, the Davis-Stirling Act governs how HOAs must operate and outlines the rights and responsibilities of homeowners and board members.

According to the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can I sue for defamation to the Hoa board of directors for stating in an open meeting I was referred by lawyer a nut job

on two – 5–24. I was at an HOA board meeting with the other board members when one of the board of directors stated that the lawyer what the association had quit because I was a nut job he continued to say that it was my fault that the lawyer had quit And open reading he said I was a nut job in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that you may have a potential case for defamation against the HOA board member who called you a "nut job" during an open meeting. In California, defamation is defined as a false statement that is communicated to others and causes harm to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can I sue the HOA and manager for failing to properly respond and provide assistance on a safety concern?

On 10/1/23 I asked manager of HOA to investigate and take action on a concern of safety. The neighbor upstairs refused to move items that were stored in my path I felt and stated that the items were tripping hazard. I was told of HOA to investigate and take action on a concern of safety. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you may have grounds for a legal claim against the HOA and the manager for their failure to address a safety concern that you brought to their attention, which ultimately resulted in your injury. Here are a few key points to consider:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can I put up an unlocked chain across a driveway shared by two homes.

The plastic chain is supported by two metal posts on either side of the driveway. We live on a small one way mountain road and don't like vehicles that pass by using our driveway as a turnout or turnaround. Our neighbor doesn't like it and says it's an unnecessary barricade.

Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

In California, the legality of placing a chain across a shared driveway depends on several factors, including any existing easements, the specific agreement between the property owners, and local ordinances.

1. Easements: If there is an easement agreement in place that grants both property...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Help!! Homeless locked out of inherited house co-owned with estate exec.who never did title change, no partition fille

Sister wants to sell never transferred title so neither own it...she kept all documents... want to buy her out court had granted stay but she got it vacated lying to Court that i paid for nothing. Can I get vacate reconsidered? Like to live in home and reach agreement to buy her out.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. Here are a few key points and suggestions based on California law:

1. Title transfer: If the property was inherited and never properly transferred into your and your sister's names, the estate executor should have initiated a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: What do I need to file to get house in the names of the 5 heirs? Dad died 2000 mom died 2013. house in both names.

My father passed away in Sept 2000. Him and my mother owned the house as Joint Tenants. My mother did not go to the Registrar Recorder to have the house put in her name only. She passed away in Nov 2013. I am now probating her estate, which only includes the house. What do I need to file to get... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

To transfer the house to the names of the 5 heirs in California, given the circumstances you described, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. File an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant: This document is used to remove your father's name from the title, as he passed away first....
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: i have a question about real estate law and escrow in california

basically i sold my home to my father in law way under market value only for him not to pay me and kick us out do i have any grievence or way to recoup my money or home

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Under California law, if you sold your home to your father-in-law and the transaction was completed through escrow, you may have some legal recourse depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Contract: If you had a written contract outlining...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My Father was narcissistic. How do I get my house back

Panic attacks,social anxiety claimed disabled dependent. He told me to stay in the house so nobody could see my face. 1999 they had a irrevoocicable life insurance trust Second to die policy made. The house I lived in over 30 years was given to me. My dad remarried after her death.New wife was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your distressing situation and all the hardships you've endured. Being forcibly removed from your home after enduring abuse must have been traumatic. Living out of your vehicle while dealing with mental health struggles sounds incredibly difficult.

Given...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My Father was narcissistic. How do I get my house back

Panic attacks,social anxiety claimed disabled dependent. He told me to stay in the house so nobody could see my face. 1999 they had a irrevoocicable life insurance trust Second to die policy made. The house I lived in over 30 years was given to me. My dad remarried after her death.New wife was... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Apr 10, 2024

If the home belonged to your father, he could do whatever he wanted with it. Unfortunately, transferring real estate from one person to another MUST be in writing. [Verbal agreements are acceptable in other areas of the law, but they are not enforceable to transfer real estate from one owner to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: The city abandoned a road In front of property I own without notification. Is this ok?

I went to look at my property, and I came upon "K" rail blocking my access, and I saw that the road was Jack Hammered in front of where my property lies (Land). I've been going to my lot each month, to keep it clean and preparing it so I may build on it one day soon. My intention... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

Under California law, a city generally cannot abandon a public road without following a specific legal process, which includes providing notice to affected property owners. The California Streets and Highways Code (Sections 8300-8363) outlines the procedures for abandoning public roads.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Is this possible Increasing commercial rent 35% in CA?

Currently, my commercial rent contract expires soon(Apr 30,2024)and I will re-new the contract. But landlord told me the rent will be increased 35%. Is this possible legally in CA?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

In California, there is no statewide rent control for commercial properties, which means that landlords can generally increase rent as much as they want when a lease expires or if the lease allows for rent increases. However, there are a few important considerations:

1. Lease terms: If your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Is this possible Increasing commercial rent 35% in CA?

Currently, my commercial rent contract expires soon(Apr 30,2024)and I will re-new the contract. But landlord told me the rent will be increased 35%. Is this possible legally in CA?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 6, 2024

Commercial leases are less regulated than residential for a few reasons. The parties are considered to be more evenly situated and shelter is a basic human need. Commercial leases are usually for a longer term (e.g. 5 years) so a substantial increase is not unheard of. Obviously, without knowing... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: My client is a realtor in California

Her Company name is "ABD realty Inc" (name changed)

Is that name legal --allowed ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

In California, the use of the word "realty" in a company name is regulated by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). According to the DRE, the use of the word "realty" is restricted to licensed real estate brokers or corporations that have a licensed real estate broker... View More

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