Residential Real Estate Attorney

Our experienced residential real estate attorneys provide a full range of services to clients throughout Southern California. We have demonstrated expertise within the following areas:

• Landlord Tenant Disputes

  We represent landlords in a variety of matters, including but not limited to, drafting leases; property management/financing; unlawful detainer/evictions—both no-fault and fault-based cases; late payment and non-payment of rent; property damage; claims of breach of lease agreement/covenants—such as nuisance, unapproved subletting (i.e. Airbnb & VRBO rentals) and criminal activity; and defense against tenant lawsuits.

  Similarly, our residential real estate attorneys represent tenants in matters including, but not limited to, wrongful eviction, rent control disputes, habitability issues—such as structural integrity, safety, health conditions, repairs to normal wear and tear, code compliance, and common area maintenance; and rental discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, family size, or source of income.

  Whether we are representing the landlord or the tenant, we often use negotiation, mediation or arbitration to achieve optimal results for our clients in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, our attorneys will not hesitate to go to court to protect our clients’ rights when necessary.

• Homeowner Association (HOA) Disputes

  Whether you are a homeowner, condo owner, or association director, we regularly assist clients in matters involving HOA disputes.

  Our residential real estate attorneys represent both homeowners who have been accused of creating nuisances and those who are concerned about nuisances being created by others. We have the experience to analyze and determine the contribution of a wide range of factors, such as potential code violations, to nuisance disputes. We also assist homeowners who disagree with a special assessment their HOA has made against their property. Additionally, we handle matters involving disputes over covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), whether you have been accused of a violation or if you believe not enough is being done to enforce the CC&Rs against other homeowners.

• Purchase Disputes

  We deal with real estate transactions and disputes on a daily basis, giving us the knowledge and the know-how to navigate the complexities of the residential real estate purchase process. We handle matters concerning drafting purchase agreements; property title and adverse possession claims; nondisclosure of material facts; fraud disputes; undisclosed dual agency, misrepresentations on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings; and encumbrances or liens that may prevent the sale of a property.

• Easement Disputes

  Our residential real estate lawyers handle easement disputes, including express easements, implied easements, and prescriptive easements that arise over trees; water drainage; the location of boundary lines; retaining walls; joint fences; or the encroachment of structures or buildings mainly located on one property across or upon the legal boundary over or onto the other property.

• Disputes with Adjoining Neighbors & Properties

  We assist clients in disputes that arise between owners from construction work; view disputes; excessive noise, or other nuisances; or hazardous or conditions which endangers or affects the reasonable use and enjoyment of property.

• Residential Loan Workouts

  If mortgage payments have become unsustainable, we can help you secure a loan modification that may save your home. The purpose of a loan modification is to provide you with a mortgage payment you can afford. The process is similar to a mortgage refinance but instead of entering into a new mortgage we work with lenders to modify the terms of our clients’ current mortgage. Receiving proper legal advice from an experienced loan modification attorney helps ensure the best possible loan modification with lenders that may help save your credit. We assist clients in lowering interest rates, extending the terms of their loans, lowering the principal balance of a loan and potentially getting rid of a second mortgage. Our firm also helps clients who are behind in their mortgage payments stop the foreclosure process.

Our residential real estate lawyers will protect you against the unexpected and help you get through a potentially stressful situation. Regardless of your unique situation, our lawyers are on your side, looking after your rights and interests. Hoffman & Forde is experienced in the resolution of various disputes. With our in-depth understanding of the law, we’ll help you avoid conflicts and unforeseen matters. Give yourself something valuable with our help: peace of mind.