2026’s New Tenant Screening Rules and Other New Laws

2026’s New Tenant Screening Rules and Other New Laws

Landlord Attorney, Mike Brennan Discusses Tenant Screening Best Practices and Mistakes

Do you want to pick the best applicant for your rental property, but are worried about what you can say and how to choose among multiple applicants who qualify? Are you concerned about giving an applicant the “bad news” that you cannot rent to them? Are you “up to speed” on the changes in tenant screening laws?

These days, careful tenant screening is an absolute “must.” There’s been so much in the news lately about rental housing providers being fined or sued for statements made in advertising available rental units or statements made in conversations with rental applicants. To make the tenant screening process even more challenging these days, application fraud during has become a major aspect of the tenant screening process and it has become a growing risk for multifamily housing providers across the U.S.

Screening and choosing the “right” prospective tenant is one of the first steps of the rental process. Although it's an exciting part of the rental journey, it can be filled with uncertainties due to the challenge of finding the right tenant that will pay rent on time and care for your rental properties, as well as ensuring legal compliance with California’s tenant screening laws. During this webinar, we help you learn California's unique tenant screening regulations, and we will be covering the entire screening process, from the rental application fee to background checks.

Details:

When: Thursday, March 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Noon)

How to Attend: Exclusively for AAGLA Members, please login to register at link below.

Join us for an extended webinar session…1 ½ Hours++. Some of the topics discussed during this webinar may include:

• What’s new in 2026 in tenant screening?
• Can landlords run background checks in California, and which background checks can they run?
• What limits are being imposed when it comes to Section 8 tenants and other housing voucher holders? Do you need to accept Section 8 tenants?
• How to create a strong rental criteria, and how best to communicate to applicants.
• Does a California landlord need a prospective tenant's consent to run a background check?
• What is the new, maximum amount of security deposit allowed in California?
• Which applicant do you choose? What if there are multiple, qualified applicants? Can you choose the one you like best?
• What to watch out for when it comes to dealing with Section 8 applicants.
• Avoid making the wrong statements – stay up to date on Fair Housing Laws and make use of the correct pronouns.
• And, of course, much, much more.  Mike Brennan from the Brennan Law Firm will take some of your questions via our “Q&A”.

This is another of many member-exclusive informative online sessions we have been offering.  Please log in to register.  If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Events Manager Diana Alcaraz via email at diana@aagla.org.  We look forward to your joining us.

WARNING: the information provided during this webinar is for general information purposes only. Absolutely no legal or tax advice is being given during this webinar.  Bear in mind that every situation is unique, and the laws, rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.  So, before acting, be sure to obtain tax and/or legal advice from a licensed professional.

Featured Speaker:

Mike Brennan, Managing Partner, The Brennan Law Firm

About Our Guest: The Brennan Law Firm represents landlords in every aspect of landlord-tenant matters, including initial lease negotiations and drafting, to unlawful detainer litigation.  There is no firm or individual in this industry who can handle your case more aggressively, knowledgeably, or quickly than the Brennan Law Firm.  The Brennan Law Firm gets the job done right in a professional, efficient, and cost-effective manner due to their experience and proven track record of success in virtually every aspect of landlord-tenant litigation.

Michael Brennan, Esq. is the managing partner and founder of the Brennan Law Firm, one of the premier landlord-tenant law firms in Southern California, representing landlords exclusively in evictions, judgment enforcement, and other landlord-tenant matters. Mr. Brennan is a frequent speaker and contributing author for various landlord publications, including a monthly legal advice column appearing in “Apartment Age” magazine.

Moderator:

Daniel Yukelson, AAGLA Executive Director.

Daniel Yukelson is currently the Executive Director of The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA).  As Certified Public Accountant, Yukelson began his career at Ernst & Young, the global accounting firm, and since then had served in senior financial roles principally as Chief Financial Officer for various public, private and start-up companies.  Prior to joining AAGLA, Yukelson served for 12 years as Chief Financial Officer for Premiere Radio Networks, now a subsidiary of I-Heart Media, and then 3 years as Chief Financial Officer for Oasis West Realty, the owner of the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills where he was involved with the development and construction of the Waldorf.  Yukelson also served for 6 years as a Planning Commissioner and for 3 years as a Public Works Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills.

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