All Forum Posts by: Angela A.

Thank you for your reply and perspective. Yes, I was wondering how liable I was for the damage if I didn't know that the roots were affecting his driveway until he waited until there was more damage then told me. I am having the tree removed as soon as possible since I got the notice. I feel like he should have let me known sooner and he should have been proactive and take care of the issue on his end. However, it's California so logic and reasoning goes out the window. 

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I am having the tree removed as soon as possible. I just wish he had let me know sooner when he first noticed problems in the driveway instead of waiting until there was more damage. 

A neighbor of a rental property that I own, sent a letter through certified mail (received in my mailbox without my signature) and notified me that roots of a tree on my rental property has caused extensive damage to his driveway. The tree was there when I bought the property 20 years ago, but I don't know what the condition of the neighbor's driveway was at the time. The property has been managed through a property manager the whole time, so I don't know what the tree looks like now. He is threatening me that he will take court action if I don't pay for the damage of his driveway due to the root damage, but I was wondering what California law generally says. I was trying to research online and it was mentioned that the neighbor that has incurred damage could have hired an arborist when he noticed a problem and have the roots trimmed before it led to more damage. I also don't know if there were signs that there was already a problem from the tree roots when the neighbor purchased the property. He says that the tree roots have caused "extensive damage", but why did he wait that long to inform me as roots don't cause damage to driveways overnight. It appears that California Law protects the vitality of the tree in that the neighbor has to ensure that cutting the roots does not damage the tree. My question is how much validity does this neighbor have in collecting for the damage to his property and what action do I need to take? Also, does rental property insurance take care of this? I have an umbrella policy. If anyone has experience with this or has knowledge of California Law, I'd really appreciate it!

A neighbor of a rental property that I own, sent a letter through certified mail (received in my mailbox without my signature) and notified me that roots of a tree on my rental property has caused extensive damage to his driveway. The tree was there when I bought the property 20 years ago, but I don't know what the condition of the neighbor's driveway was at the time. The property has been managed through a property manager the whole time, so I don't know what the tree looks like now. He is threatening me that he will take court action if I don't pay for the damage of his driveway due to the root damage, but I was wondering what California law generally says. I was trying to research online and it was mentioned that the neighbor that has incurred damage could have hired an arborist when he noticed a problem and have the roots trimmed before it led to more damage. I also don't know if there were signs that there was already a problem from the tree roots when the neighbor purchased the property. He says that the tree roots have caused "extensive damage", but why did he wait that long to inform me as roots don't cause damage to driveways overnight. It appears that California Law protects the vitality of the tree in that the neighbor has to ensure that cutting the roots does not damage the tree. My question is how much validity does this neighbor have in collecting for the damage to his property and what action do I need to take? Also, does rental property insurance take care of this? I have an umbrella policy. If anyone has experience with this or has knowledge of California Law, I'd really appreciate it!

A neighbor of a rental property that I own, sent a letter through certified mail (received in my mailbox without my signature) and notified me that roots of a tree on my rental property has caused extensive damage to his driveway. The tree was there when I bought the property 20 years ago, but I don't know what the condition of the neighbor's driveway was at the time. The property has been managed through a property manager the whole time, so I don't know what the tree looks like now. He is threatening me that he will take court action if I don't pay for the damage of his driveway due to the root damage, but I was wondering what California law generally says. I was trying to research online and it was mentioned that the neighbor that has incurred damage could have hired an arborist when he noticed a problem and have the roots trimmed before it led to more damage. I also don't know if there were signs that there was already a problem from the tree roots when the neighbor purchased the property. He says that the tree roots have caused "extensive damage", but why did he wait that long to inform me as roots don't cause damage to driveways overnight. It appears that California Law protects the vitality of the tree in that the neighbor has to ensure that cutting the roots does not damage the tree. My question is how much validity does this neighbor have in collecting for the damage to his property and what action do I need to take? Also, does rental property insurance take care of this? I have an umbrella policy. If anyone has experience with this or has knowledge of California Law, I'd really appreciate it!

@Theresa Harris Yes, that’s a fair and clear cut way to approach It since it can’t be proven that it was the tenant’s. Appreciate your feedback!

@Kyle J.Thanks for the feedback. I will check my lease and see if it specifies, although I would think that if it is not due to “normal wear and tear” that it would be the tenant’s responsibility. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods in Northern Cali.

I have a property managed by a property management company and the tenant put in an order for the house plumbing to be backed up. The drain company came out and unclogged the line from the house to the street and found a tampon. I noticed that I got charged in my owner portal. The property management company is closed right now for the weekend, but I was wondering shouldn’t the tenant be automatically charged for this one? They have been living there since February of this year. Appreciate any input. 

Is it recommended to have a landlord policy to cover cost of evictions (legal fees, loss of rent, damage to property, etc.)? If so, can anyone recommend a good landlord policy?

Anyone familiar with the Memphis,TN 38134 area, specifically around Thomas Rd/Bartlett Rd area? Good? Bad? As far as crime and attracting a decent non-section 8 tenant?