As temperatures rise, ensuring your rental property is ready for summer is crucial. Proper preparation not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also protects your investment. Here are key areas to focus on:

1. Inspect and Service Cooling Systems

Ensure air conditioning units are functioning efficiently. Schedule professional maintenance to clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and address any issues. Efficient cooling systems reduce energy costs and prevent mid-summer breakdowns.

2. Examine Windows and Doors

Check for drafts or leaks around windows and doors. Replace worn weather stripping and ensure seals are intact to maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.

3. Clean Dryer Vents

Clogged dryer vents are a fire hazard. Regularly clean vents to ensure proper airflow, reduce drying times, and enhance appliance efficiency.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety devices should be tested monthly. Replace batteries as needed and ensure detectors are in compliance with local regulations.

5. Maintain Landscaping

Trim overgrown bushes, mow lawns, and remove debris. Well-maintained exteriors improve curb appeal and prevent pest infestations.

6. Inspect for Pest Issues

Summer can bring unwanted pests. Inspect the property for signs of infestations and seal any entry points. Consider scheduling regular pest control services.

7. Check Outdoor Amenities

If your property includes amenities like pools or grills, ensure they are clean and in good working order. Regular maintenance extends their lifespan and keeps tenants satisfied.

8. Review Lease Agreements

Summer is a common time for lease renewals. Review and update lease terms as necessary, ensuring they reflect any changes in policies or regulations.

9. Prepare for Emergencies

Ensure tenants know emergency procedures and have access to necessary contact information. Regularly check that emergency exits are accessible and clearly marked.

10. Schedule Routine Inspections

Regular inspections help identify and address issues before they become major problems. Create a maintenance schedule to stay proactive.

Proactive summer maintenance ensures tenant comfort and protects your property. By addressing these areas, you can enjoy a season of smooth operations and satisfied tenants.

Overview: New Rent Control Amendments Take Effect in Concord

As of May 22, 2025, the City of Concord has officially updated its Residential Tenant Protection Program Ordinance, affecting both rent control policies and eviction rules for local rental properties. These changes were approved by the Concord City Council on April 22 and are now in final effect.

If you own rental property in Concord, this update is critical. Failing to adjust your rental operations to comply with the new regulations could expose you to legal and financial risks.

What’s New in Concord’s Rent Control Law?

To support both tenants and landlords, Concord has adopted the following key changes:

1. Fixed 5% Cap on Annual Rent Increases

The ordinance now limits annual rent increases for covered units to a flat 5%, regardless of inflation or CPI.

2. Expanded Eviction Exemptions for Small Property Owners

Rental housing providers who own and rent no more than two single-family homes or condominiums in Concord are now exempt from “Just Cause” eviction requirements.

  3. Updated Procedures for Compliance

Property owners must now comply with additional requirements related to:

• Rent registration

• Tenant notifications

• Relocation assistance

What This Means for Concord Landlords

If you manage or own residential rental property in Concord, it is essential to:

• Update lease agreements and rent increase notices.

• Review tenant screening and eviction policies.

• Ensure rent adjustments comply with the 5% cap.

• Familiarize yourself with required documentation and timelines.

Why These Changes Matter to East Bay Property Owners

With high renter demand and an evolving legal landscape, the East Bay continues to be a promising yet regulated market for real estate investment. Concord’s new ordinance attempts to balance tenant protections with the needs of rental housing providers, especially smaller landlords.

As a property management company in Concord, Sacramento, Roseville, and Napa, we specialize in navigating local laws to protect our clients’ investments.

Expert Help to Stay Compliant

Real Property Management Select offers comprehensive property management services across the East Bay and Greater Sacramento area. We help landlords:

• Navigate new ordinances

• Adjust lease terms

• Ensure legal compliance

• Maintain profitability in a changing market

Stay Ahead of Local Rental Law Changes

If you’re unsure how these updates affect your property—or you simply want peace of mind—our team is here to help.

Get professional property management contact us now!

Serving Concord, Sacramento, Roseville, Napa, and the East Bay with expert rental management and legal compliance support.

Fair housing compliance is once again in the spotlight.
The California Civil Rights Department recently released findings from 2024 testing efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Alarmingly, over half (54%) of the properties tested were found out of compliance with California’s fair housing laws — particularly around source of income discrimination involving Section 8 housing vouchers.

Why These Results Matter for Rental Housing Providers

Although the sample size was limited, the results serve as a crucial reminder:
Fair housing laws are actively enforced, and housing providers must stay vigilant.

Since 2020, California law prohibits discrimination based on a tenant’s use of government assistance programs like Section 8. This means housing providers cannot:

• Refuse applicants solely because they use housing vouchers.
• Advertise with terms like “No Section 8.”
• Apply income requirements without properly adjusting for voucher support.

Rental owners may continue to apply standard screening criteria — such as background checks or rental history — but income standards must only consider the tenant’s portion of the rent, not the full market rent. Additionally, if a voucher-holder lacks traditional credit history, providers must offer alternative ways to document financial responsibility.

Beyond Source of Income: Other Key Compliance Areas

The report also highlighted concerning practices beyond Section 8 discrimination, including:

• Differential treatment based on race, disability, or familial status.
• Overly restrictive criminal history policies that could unintentionally have a disparate impact on protected groups.

Blanket bans on applicants with any criminal history — without considering the nature and recency of offenses — are particularly risky under California fair housing standards.

Why Ongoing Education Is Essential

Fair housing laws are complex and evolving. Even well-intentioned housing providers can inadvertently violate regulations without updated policies and regular training.

Best practices include:

• Conducting annual policy reviews.
• Providing ongoing fair housing education for property management teams.
• Updating marketing and tenant screening practices in line with current laws.

Staying informed isn’t just good business — it protects rental investments and minimizes legal risk.

Compliance Is a Continuous Commitment

As fair housing enforcement efforts grow stronger across California, it’s vital for property owners and managers to prioritize compliance.
A strong understanding of the rules around source of income protections, screening policies, and nondiscrimination will help ensure success in an increasingly regulated market.

Looking for reliable property management support that keeps you compliant?
Visit contact us to learn how our expert team can help you protect your investment — and your peace of mind.

When it comes to protecting your rental property investment, few decisions are as critical as choosing the right tenants. In cities like Sacramento, Concord, and the broader East Bay region, where rental demand remains strong, it’s tempting to fill vacancies quickly—but the wrong tenant can lead to costly repairs, lost income, and legal headaches.

At Real Property Management Select, we help homeowners screen tenants with precision and compliance. This blog outlines a proven screening process designed to minimize risk and help landlords avoid common—and expensive—mistakes.

Why Thorough Tenant Screening is Essential

Whether you own a single-family rental in Roseville or a multifamily unit in Napa, your tenants have a direct impact on your bottom line. A thorough screening process helps you:

• Avoid rent defaults and late payments 
• Minimize property damage from careless or irresponsible tenants 
• Prevent legal conflicts related to evictions and lease violations 
• Increase tenant retention, reducing turnover costs 
• Protect your property’s long-term value 

In California, where landlord-tenant laws are complex, especially in rent-controlled areas, proactive screening isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity.

A Proven Tenant Screening Process That Delivers Results

1. Pre-Screening to Save Time and Filter Fast

Before scheduling a showing, we recommend asking applicants a few qualifying questions:

• Do you meet the income requirement (usually 2.5–3x rent)? 
• What is your expected move-in date? 
• Do you have any pets? 
• Have you ever been evicted or convicted of a felony? 

These early filters help you identify serious applicants while avoiding wasted time.

2. Complete Rental Application

A legally compliant rental application should include:

• Employment and income history 
• Previous landlords and rental addresses 
• Social Security Number or Tax ID for verification 
• Signed consent for background and credit checks 

We recommend requiring all adult occupants (18+) to complete the application.

3. Credit Check: Understanding Financial Responsibility

A credit report offers insights into how a tenant handles their financial obligations. Key factors:

• Credit score (we look for 650+ from Equifax) 
• History of on-time payments 
• Debt-to-income ratio 
• Presence of collections, liens, or bankruptcy 

4. Criminal & Eviction Background Check

This step protects your property, neighbors, and community. Red flags may include:

• Prior evictions 
• Criminal convictions related to violence, drugs, or property damage 
• Identity fraud or false information on the application 

Always follow fair housing guidelines and consider the context of any criminal record.

5. Income Verification

Stable income is a key indicator of a reliable tenant. Acceptable proof includes:

• Recent pay stubs (2–3 months) 
• Tax returns (for self-employed applicants) 
• Employment offer letters 
• Bank statements  

Aim for at least 2.5 to 3 times the rent in monthly gross income.

6. Landlord References

Call at least two previous landlords and ask:

• Did they pay rent on time? 
• Were there any complaints or lease violations? 
• Did they maintain the property well? 
• Would you rent to them again? 

Beware of fake references—verify contact info independently when possible.

7. Consistent Criteria = Legal Protection

In regions like Concord or Sacramento, where rent control and tenant protections are evolving, consistency is key. Apply your screening criteria uniformly to all applicants to remain compliant with California’s Fair Housing laws.

Common Tenant Red Flags to Avoid

While no screening method is 100% foolproof, here are red flags that deserve a closer look:

• Incomplete applications or reluctance to share information 
• Gaps in rental or employment history 
• History of evictions or ongoing disputes 
• Aggressive or evasive communication 
• Income that barely meets the minimum requirement 

If something feels off, it’s okay to take your time or request additional documentation.

Why Work with Real Property Management Select?

Tenant screening can be time-consuming—and mistakes can be costly. We specialize in protecting property owners in Sacramento, Roseville, Concord, Napa, and throughout the East Bay with a compliant, efficient, and detailed tenant placement process.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Legal compliance with local and state regulations 
• Access to nationwide screening databases 
• Structured lease agreements and documentation 
• In-house expertise in eviction protection and risk reduction 

Avoiding bad tenants starts with a great screening process. By applying consistent, thorough, and legally sound screening methods, you can reduce vacancy stress, lower turnover costs, and enjoy a smoother property ownership experience.

Ready to Find Better Tenants?

Let Real Property Management Select handle the hard work of screening, placement, and lease enforcement—so you can focus on what matters most.

📞 Talk to our property experts today

A newly proposed bill, AB 246, seeks to impose a one-year rent freeze across Los Angeles County, preventing rental housing providers from increasing rents until 2026. While the measure aims to address affordability concerns, property owners warn it could create long-term challenges, including financial strain on landlords and reduced housing supply.

What AB 246 Proposes

Introduced by Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan (D-Los Angeles), AB 246 would:

• Prevent rent increases for one year, locking rents at January 7, 2025, levels.
• Override local government decisions, enforcing a rent freeze even in areas where local leaders have opted against such policies.
• Allow civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for landlords who raise rents during the freeze.

Why Property Owners Are Concerned

Many rental housing providers argue that AB 246 is unnecessary and harmful for several reasons:

1. California already limits rent increases during emergencies – Penal Code §396 caps rent hikes at 10% in declared emergency zones. AB 246 would introduce additional restrictions, even when existing protections are in place.
2. Landlords are still recovering from pandemic-era rent freezes – Many housing providers endured nearly five years of restrictions, with some losing their properties due to mounting expenses and frozen rental income.
3. It could set a precedent for future state-mandated rent freezes – If passed, AB 246 could be expanded or replicated after wildfires, floods, or other emergencies, further reducing landlord control over rental income.
4. It may discourage property investment and maintenance – Freezing rents while operational costs continue to rise could make rental housing a less viable investment, leading to a decline in available units.

Next Steps for Rental Housing Providers

While the California Assembly has not yet voted on AB 246, rental housing advocates are actively voicing their concerns. Property owners and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed, engage with local representatives, and explore strategies to protect their investments while remaining compliant with evolving regulations.

For expert guidance on California’s rental laws and how they impact property owners, contact our team today. We specialize in keeping landlords informed and compliant in a shifting regulatory landscape.