San Francisco California Condo Conversion Lawyers

What is the Ellis Act and what does it have to do with Condo Conversions?

In 1986, the state of California passed a law that allows landlords to evict tenants from a building the landlord intends to permanently remove from the rental market. Should a landlord decide to rent apartments in the building again, he or she must allow tenants evicted under the Ellis Act priority when applying for their rooms again. Additionally, should a landlord resume renting units taken off the market, he or she cannot increase rent above what was originally charged before the Ellis Act was invoked. In San Francisco and other Bay Area communities, landlords and developers have encountered substantial resistance and numerous legal problems when attempting to invoke the Ellis Act in order to convert apartment buildings into condominiums. At Bradshaw & Associates, we represent landlords and developers in condo conversions, making sure you are in compliance with proper procedures and timeline requirements for evicting tenants.

Understand and assert your legal rights as a property owner - contact condo conversions attorneys at Bradshaw & Associates today to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you.

Evictions - Not a simple Matter

When landlords or developers decide to convert condominiums into single family homes or tenancies-in-common, a set of protocols and procedures must be followed. In a surprising number of cases, landlords violate proper protocols, try to intimidate tenants, or are unaware of certain financial and legal obligations they have as landlords. In Ellis Act condo conversions, there are time frames that must be adhered to, relocation expenses that must be paid, provisions for disabled people and families with children, and set procedures for notifying tenants of their eviction.

Relocation Expenses, Eviction Notices, and Your Rights as a Tenant

Our attorneys take preventative action in making sure a planned condo conversion conforms to all municipal and state statutes and law. Our office reviews and prepares all necessary paperwork and eviction notices while advising clients of any financial obligations they have under the law. For instance, under the terms of Proposition H, landlords in San Francisco are required to pay evicted tenants $4,500 in relocation expenses. If a tenant is legally disabled or over the age of 62, he or she must be given a year's notice before he or she can be evicted - a substantially longer period than the standard 120 days. When landlords violate these rights or attempt to use coercive, intimidating techniques to evict tenants, they can be held financially liable for their actions.

For Additional Information, Contact Bradshaw & Associates

Condo conversions have attracted the attention of tenants' unions across the Bay Area. Consequently, landlords can expect to encounter tenants who have been advised to exhaust every legal right available to them, often resulting in delays, legal expenses, and a roadblock to your investment plans. Our attorneys have extensive experience in Ellis Act condo conversion cases and have a thorough understanding of the law and how to make it work for our clients.

To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact the law office of Bradshaw & Associates today.