Apartment News Media

The Problem:

Preparing for natural or man-made disasters requires property assessments, contingency plans, emergency supplies, and procedures for maintaining communication and ensuring tenant safety. Property owners and managers should train staff and residents in emergency response, including first aid, CPR, and shutting off gas and water. Plans should also address post-disaster damage assessments and urgent repairs following earthquakes, wildfires, and other emergencies.

Guest Speaker: Patti Widget

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPERT, WIDGET'S WAY

Patti Widget has nearly 25 years of experience as a regional property manager. Patti teaches a wide range of classes on property management topics; she is a keynote speaker on property management and housing issues and has published numerous articles for apartment associations. Patti is a repeat guest speaker at UCLA. She also holds various certifications in the industry related to her field, such as a CA licensed Real Estate Broker, CCRM, lead based paint certified renovator from the EPA, Fair Housing and more.

Join Sasha Struthers, Esq., a leading mediation and “cash-for-keys” expert, for an informative discussion on how mediation can help rental housing providers resolve tenant disputes more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn about the key differences between mediation and litigation, including cost, timing, confidentiality, control over outcomes, and the benefits of negotiated resolutions. The webinar will also cover tenant buyout agreements and practical legal strategies for addressing tenant issues.

What To Expect: Niv Davidovich, of the Davidovich Stone Law Group, joins us once again to discuss the latest regulatory developments and legal strategies. As always, Niv will offer his practical solutions and legal strategies and address your legal questions.

Guest Speaker: Niv Davidovich, Esq., Managing Partner // Davidovich Stone Law Group

Niv V. Davidovich is an experienced litigator and counselor and has a diverse legal experience which focuses his practice on representing private developers, landlords/owners, property managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and investors in contract construction litigation and also includes representing clients in real estate matters, landlord/tenant litigation, commercial lease negotiations, land use issues, intellectual property and entertainment matters, employment disputes, wage and hour claims, general business transactional matters and commercial business litigation. Niv also represents numerous corporations in the health field in both litigation and transactional matters. Niv has represented his clients in trial, arbitration, mediation, and administrative hearings involving substantially complex issues of fact and law, both in the State and Federal courts. Niv also has substantial appellate experience representing clients in front of the California Court of Appeal.

The Industry Pulse is a briefing on the policies shaping rental housing across California. 

Presented by SNS Law Group, providing insight for California housing providers navigating today’s evolving regulatory environment.

As California's 2026 legislative session concludes, rental housing providers face another wave of potential regulatory changes affecting rent-setting, property management, advertising, and compliance.

In this episode of Industry Pulse, we examine proposed changes to emergency rent restrictions, new disclosure requirements for AI-enhanced rental advertising, and local rent control measures heading to voters in November. We also explore San Francisco's proposed eviction restrictions, Oakland's expanded landlord compliance audits, and federal developments affecting online rental advertising competition.

From preparing properties for severe winter weather to navigating increasingly localized regulations, discover the key developments California property owners and managers should be watching—and why proactive planning, documentation, and compliance are more important than ever.

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult with qualified counsel regarding their specific circumstances. Apartment News Media, Covering Issues That Impact Rental Property Owners and Management Professionals. 

The Industry Pulse is a briefing on the policies shaping rental housing across California. 

Presented by SNS Law Group, providing insight for California housing providers navigating today’s evolving regulatory environment.

California rental housing providers face a changing regulatory landscape as 2026 draws to a close. In this episode of Industry Pulse, we examine major federal housing legislation, increased competition in rental advertising technology, proposed emergency rent restrictions, and growing environmental compliance costs.

We also explore local rent control developments, including proposed regulations and upcoming ballot measures that could reshape rental property operations.

From evolving compliance requirements to rising capital expenses, discover the key policy developments California property owners and managers should be watching—and how to prepare for what comes next.

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should consult with qualified counsel regarding their specific circumstances. Apartment News Media, Covering Issues That Impact Rental Property Owners and Management Professionals. 

The Problem

Join renowned eviction attorney Dennis P. Block as he shares practical strategies for handling problem tenants, recovering past-due rent, and navigating California's complex landlord-tenant laws. Drawing on decades of experience in eviction law and rent control, Dennis will provide valuable legal insights to help rental property owners protect their rights and avoid costly mistakes.

What You'll Learn

• What’s new “out there” in the world of regulations? How to get around the “problem” and cut through the “B.S.”
• What are some of the best strategies for addressing your problem tenants and, when necessary, getting the eviction job done?
• How to deal with difficult tenants that won’t communicate and won’t pay rent, or that are committing other “at fault” breaches of their lease.
• How much more crazy can things get and what you need to do to survive!
• And, of course, we’ll have much, much more…including Q&A

Guest Speaker: DENNIS BLOCK | DENNIS P. BLOCK & Associates

Dennis P. Block is the founder and managing partner of Dennis P. Block & Associates. The firm specializes in residential and commercial eviction of tenants. Founded in 1976, the firm has become the leading eviction law firm in tenant eviction in the State of California. To date, the firm has handled over 200,000 tenant evictions in California. The Law Firm of Dennis P. Block and Associates is dedicated to serving the legal interests of landlords and income property owners whose property is in the State of California. Its clients range from the Federal Government, municipalities, banking institutions, management companies, to 'mom and pop' owners. The firm consists of 20 eviction lawyers, all specializing in landlord / tenant law who are also experts in Unlawful Detainer Jury Trials, Commercial and Foreclosure Evictions.

Presented By: Robert Hall & Associates Tax Consultants and Trucordia

The Problem

As costs rise and rental income remains largely stagnant, property taxes are one area where owners may be able to reduce expenses. Many Los Angeles-area apartment owners may be overpaying property taxes without realizing it, and Wes Nichols will provide a practical overview of the appeal process and how current market conditions can affect your assessment.

What You'll Learn

• How a multifamily building is actually valued, including Proposition 8, the decline-in-value provision the county does not apply automatically.
• The process, the timeline, and the refund, from the November 30 filing through stipulation or hearing.
• What evidence supports a reduction: current rent roll, trailing twelve-month operating statements, and income approach applied to rent-controlled assets.
• Why Los Angeles multifamily is frequently over-assessed. 
• Rent stabilization ordinances (RSO) under local RSO and state law, Assembly Bill 1482, rent caps hold rents down while assessed values continue to rise.
• How the rising cap rates, increasing concessions, and stalled rent growth are creating strong property tax reduction arguments today. 
• How to determine whether your apartment property is eligible for a property tax appeal.
• What the appeal process looks like from start to finish, including key deadlines.
  
  

Guest Speaker: WES NICHOLS 

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Paramount Property Tax Appeal 

Wes Nichols founded Paramount Property Tax Appeal in 2009 and serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. The firm represents commercial and multifamily property owners in assessment appeals across California, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington, with CPAs, certified appraisers, and CRE veterans leading the practice. Paramount has filed 45,000+ appeals with an 85% success rate, a 24% average reduction in assessed value, and $100M+ in refunds secured. The firm works on contingency and is paid only when it secures a reduction.

Presented By: Paramount Property Tax Appeal

The Problem

Landlords face countless challenges when managing tenant issues, and failing to address problems promptly and properly can lead to wasted time, financial losses, and even legal disputes. Join multifamily industry expert Patti Widget, AAGLA Operations Advisor and founder of Widget’s Way, for practical strategies to prevent common issues, navigate challenging situations, and successfully move forward when problems arise.

What You'll Learn

• Best ways to collect rent, and on time. 
• Why it is important to act immediately to address non-payment and other lease infractions. 
• Dealing with and avoiding costly legal troubles. Don’t be exposed to liability by what you say or do.
• The importance of ongoing maintenance and addressing issues that arise as soon as possible. 
• How to best deal with difficult tenant situations. Never let yourself be caught off guard with Patti’s “fogging” technique.
• Checking out credit and criminal history – proper methods for screening tenant applicants. Know the signs of a future problem tenant. 
• Price your vacancies correctly and the importance of regularly increasing rent.
• Damages versus normal wear and tear – know the difference.

Guest Speaker: PATTI WIDGET PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPERT, WIDGET'S WAY

Patti Widget has nearly 25 years of experience as a regional property manager. Patti teaches a wide range of classes on property management topics; she is a keynote speaker on property management and housing issues and has published numerous articles for apartment associations. Patti is a repeat guest speaker at UCLA. She also holds various certifications in the industry related to her field, such as a CA licensed Real Estate Broker, CCRM, lead based paint certified renovator from the EPA, Fair Housing and more.

Presented By: SNS Law Group LLP & Bye Bye Mattress

The Problem

SoCalGas is offering a free Multifamily Energy Savings Program designed to help multifamily property owners and operators improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and stay California code compliant. Through the program, AutoHot will provide and install a Temperature Modulation Controller on qualifying boiler or central water heating systems serving three or more units, at no cost for equipment or installation, with potential gas savings of 15%–20%.

What You'll Learn

• Discover how this no-cost solution helps you cut high energy expenses. 
• See how the controller gives you greater control and visibility across your property.
• Understand how this program aligns with California code compliance and long-term energy savings. 
• Learn how the controller can save you 15-20 percent on your next gas bill, every month!

Guest Speaker: GABRIEL AYALA- ENOVATIVE MANUFACTURING

Gabriel Ayala is Vice President of Business Development at Enovative Manufacturing, a Los Angeles based company specializing in innovative hot water control systems marketed under the AutoHot® brand. With more than 20 years of experience in the hot water industry, Gabe is recognized for his deep expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing hot water efficiency. He has spearheaded groundbreaking energy research funded by the California Energy Commission, focusing on multifamily hot water distribution systems. His collaborative work with leading energy firms, utility companies, builders, plumbing contractors, and engineers has helped drive the adoption of high-performance hot water technologies and usher in a new era of energy-efficient solutions. A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Gabe combines technical knowledge with industry leadership and never misses an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Badgers since he is a big fan.

Presented By AutoHot

With 2026 now coming to a close, it is time again to take proactive steps to secure your financial future and maximize tax savings. Join us for an insightful tax discussion led by Tony Watson, a seasoned tax advisor from Robert Hall & Associates. Tony will take us on a “deep-dive” into key strategies and actionable maneuvering you can make before year-end to help you best navigate available tax mitigation strategies with confidence.

What You'll Learn

• Year-End Tax Strategies: Why assessing your tax situation before December 31st is crucial for optimizing your tax position. 
• Mastering Estimated Tax Payments: Planning ahead to manage your cash flow and avoid penalties.
• Demystifying Mortgage Interest Deductibility: Understanding the true impact of mortgage interest on your overall tax picture. | 
• Form W-4 Withholding Optimization: How to fine-tune your withholdings to avoid surprises and keep more of what you earn.
• Retirement Planning Insights: 401(k) / IRA vs. Self-Directed IRA / Solo 401(k) – Which retirement savings plan is best for you. | 
• What’s new you can take advantage of for 2026, including what the Big Beautiful Bill means to you.

Guest Speaker: Tony Watson

ROBERT HALL & ASSOCIATES

Tony Watson is an Enrolled Agent who focuses on providing personalized financial guidance and tax preparation services to individuals and businesses. As a federally licensed tax practitioner, Tony helps his clients make sound financial decisions and works to ensure all eligible deductions are received when preparing taxes. He is the keynote speaker for Robert Hall & Associates and speaks on various tax related topics at over 100 engagements throughout California each year. His dedication to his clients and expertise in the field of taxation lead him to win the Glendale Reader’s Choice Award for Best Tax Preparer in 2016.

Presented by: ROBERT HALL & ASSOCIATES