Are your forms updated for 2025? AB 2747 and AB 2801 have changed the rules.

Practical strategies from attorney Casper Yen to navigate today’s toughest tenant issues

Lease Terminations vs. “Cash for Keys”

While lease terminations remain possible under California’s “just cause” rules, they are increasingly scrutinized by courts and tenant attorneys. Yen noted that Cash for Keys remains a valid strategy—but only when done properly:

  • Participation must be entirely voluntary.
  • Agreements should be in writing, including release-of-claims language to avoid future disputes.
“Cash for Keys isn’t just about offering money—it’s about ensuring cooperation and airtight documentation.” — Casper Yen

Understanding Just Cause Ordinances

Confusion remains about which properties fall under statewide AB 1482 versus stricter local ordinances. Casper urged housing providers to:

  • Confirm jurisdiction before serving notices.
  • Keep a paper trail to support “at fault” terminations (such as lease violations).
  • Always issue a Notice to Cure first to show good faith before escalating.

📌 Key Reminder: Deadlines on notices must account for weekends and judicial holidays—or risk being invalid in court.

Yen cautioned providers about the most common missteps that weaken legal standing:

  • Inconsistent enforcement of rules between tenants.
  • Improper notices—poorly timed or poorly worded—that invite retaliation claims.
  • Overlooking local ordinances (e.g., Los Angeles rules stricter than AB 1482). Consistency is a housing provider’s strongest defense.

Conflict Resolution & Best Practices

Casper encouraged landlords to adopt a professional, prevention-first approach:

  • Use neutral, businesslike language in all tenant communications.
  • Document everything—complaints, repairs, notices, conversations.
  • Address issues promptly before they escalate.
  • Consider mediation for complex disputes.

Emerging Compliance Challenges

The legal landscape is shifting quickly in 2025. Yen outlined several updates that housing providers must prepare for:

  • AB 2747 (Rent Reporting): Properties with 16+ units—or smaller properties owned by REITs/LLCs—must offer rent reporting at lease signing and annually, with an optional $10/month fee for market units.
  • AB 2801 (Security Deposits): Beginning July 1, 2025, landlords must take move-in and move-out photos, provide itemized deductions with evidence, and offer pre-move-out inspections.
  • Right-to-Counsel Programs: More tenants now have access to legal representation, raising the stakes for landlords in disputes.

Q: What are best practices for managing disputes?
A: Document all communications, provide clear written notices, and consider mediation before litigation.

Q: What does AB 2747 require?
A: Rent reporting must be offered at lease signing and annually, with tenants able to opt in for a small monthly fee.

Q: What does AB 2801 change for deposits?
A: Landlords must provide photo documentation, detailed itemizations, and offer pre-move-out inspections.

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