Ann O’Connell
Attorney · UC Berkeley School of Law
What Should Landlords Do When Asked to Accommodate an Assistance, Service, or Support Animal?
Learn what questions landlords should—and shouldn't—ask about when someone requests an accommodation for a service, assistance, support, or emotional support animal. ... READ MORE
Medical Marijuana and Rental Properties: Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant?
Landlords don’t have to allow smoking of any substances—including medical marijuana—in their rental property. ... READ MORE
Should Landlords Require Cosigners on Leases and Rental Agreements?
Requiring tenants to have cosigners isn't always worth the extra work for landlords. ... READ MORE
Should I Cosign Someone Else’s Lease?
Before you agree to be a cosigner, be sure you know the pros and cons of signing someone else's lease or rental agreement. ... READ MORE
How Renters Can Protect Their Security Deposit
Find out what to do before, during, and at the end of your tenancy to protect your security deposit. ... READ MORE
Moving Out of a Rental: Important Steps to Keep Your Landlord Happy
Just because you move out early doesn't mean you can't end your tenancy on a positive note. ... READ MORE
Should Landlords Charge Pet Deposits and Pet Fees?
Pet deposits and fees aren't always the best option for covering the cost of pet-related damage—and they might even be illegal. ... READ MORE
Can Landlords Charge Tenants for Ordinary Wear and Tear?
Landlords may use tenants’ security deposits to pay for damage that goes beyond ordinary wear and tear. ... READ MORE
How to Terminate a Residential Lease or Rental Agreement
How to terminate a tenancy depends on many factors, such as the type of tenancy, the timing of termination, and the reason for termination. ... READ MORE
Bed Bugs in Rental Properties: What Should Tenants Do?
If you find bed bugs in your rental, your lease or local law likely requires you to take certain actions, including notifying your landlord. ... READ MORE