All Forum Posts by: Aaron Robertson

Wow, that’s a tough lesson, but one so many of us in real estate can relate to. No good deed goes unpunished, right? It’s crazy how trying to stand firm can sometimes backfire in unexpected ways. I’ve been in a similar spot, and you’re absolutely right—sometimes the quickest, most cost-effective route is the one that feels counterintuitive at first. Thanks for sharing; it’s a reminder we all need! We’re property managers based in Redding, CA, and the laws here favor the tenants, making situations like this even trickier.

California landlords can now enjoy streamlined maintenance and cost savings thanks to AB 2622.

Signed into law in September 2024, AB 2622 raises the threshold for unlicensed contracting work from $500 to $1,000. This simple update has big implications for property owners, allowing small repairs and maintenance to be handled more quickly and affordably. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Benefits for Landlords

1. Lower Repair Costs
Hiring licensed contractors for minor fixes can be costly. AB 2622 allows unlicensed professionals to handle jobs under $1,000, such as repairing gates, patching drywall, or fixing leaky faucets—saving you money without sacrificing quality.

2. Faster Turnarounds
Smaller projects often take a backseat for licensed contractors, causing delays. With the expanded threshold, landlords can turn to skilled, unlicensed workers for quick fixes—perfect for tenant turnovers or routine maintenance.

3. Simplified Management
For those managing multiple properties, AB 2622 streamlines operations by expanding your hiring pool and removing the red tape often associated with minor repairs.

Why It Matters for Tenants

Tenants also benefit from AB 2622:

• Faster Maintenance: Minor issues like plumbing or lighting can now be resolved promptly.
• Fairer Move-Out Costs: Affordable repairs mean tenants aren’t hit with inflated charges for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Things to Keep in Mind

While AB 2622 makes maintenance easier, landlords should still vet unlicensed workers carefully, ensure proper insurance coverage, and remember that jobs requiring permits must involve licensed contractors.

AB 2622: A Win-Win for California’s Rental Market

AB 2622 strikes a balance between flexibility and accountability, making it easier for landlords to maintain high-quality rentals while fostering better tenant relationships.

Hi Caleb, 

great question! Inspections are typically done by licensed professionals like structural engineers, architects, or certified building inspectors. They focus on safety issues, such as wood rot, water damage, and structural integrity of balconies and decks. It's not about being nit-picky—it’s about ensuring the property is safe for residents. While it can feel like a hassle, these inspections help prevent bigger (and costlier) problems down the line.

California's SB 721, known as the Balcony Inspection Law, requires multifamily property owners to inspect exterior elevated elements (EEEs) like balconies and decks. This safety measure aims to prevent structural failures and ensure tenant safety.

Originally, the first inspections were due by January 1, 2025, but a recent update—AB 2579—has extended the deadline to January 1, 2026. This extra year gives property owners more time to schedule inspections and make necessary repairs.

Key Points:

• Applies to multifamily properties with three or more units.
• Covers balconies, decks, and elevated elements made of wood or similar materials.
• Inspections must be completed by licensed professionals and repeated every six years.
• Hazards identified must be repaired promptly.

With the extension, now’s the time to plan ahead. Schedule inspections early to avoid a last-minute rush and ensure compliance with California law. Staying proactive not only protects your tenants but also safeguards your investment.

Hi Cecil,

We're based in Redding as well and operate Authority Property Management. In addition to managing a diverse portfolio of rental properties, we've successfully flipped several properties in recent years. Bonnie is spot on—you don't always need traditional bank financing for your investments. Our area has a good selection of hard money lenders, and every now and then, you might find an owner willing to carry the loan, often at attractive rates. Additionally, we have authored over two hundred blog posts on our website, covering a wide range of topics, many of which focus specifically on investing in Redding, CA.

In California, we have had several maulings in the past and that particular breed of dog seems to be involved most often.