The process would be the same in reverse though too -- if you formed an LLC in another state but are doing business in California, you need to register the LLC as a "foreign" LLC with the California Secretary of State.

A quick search on line to the Secretary of State tells me they have filled and are in good standing.So your perspective tenant simply signs some verifications and authorizations and gives up some statements, not a big deal, if it is, you don't want them.

Currently, I work in Chicago as a legal secretary for a very large law firm.

If it actually gets to human, it's likely to be a secretary at a management company.  

This might be a different scenario, but the thought is the same, we as a construction company can "assign" or "authorize" anyone to sign, transact contracts, just like you can when you pull permits, anyone can do it if you authorize them, you must execute a board resolution naming the individual and what he can do, his limits, etc, then it must be notarized and stamped, signed by secretary and president.

You'll find an assumed name application with the Secretary of State's office.

Check your secretary of state website.

It also made me not think of myself as better than the secretaries or housekeepers that I worked with at the hospital. 

. : )I just hired a local secretary full time to help with all of the database and back office stuff.

Here in CO it takes five minutes on the secretary of state's web site and $50 to create an entity.