Thursday, December 13, 2018

Settling Real Estate Disputes Long Distance via Mediation




I'm often asked if I travel beyond my home of Sonora for Real Estate Disputes.

On a regular basis, I travel to the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Oakland, Emeryville.

Upcoming is an Oakland Mediation, with the dispute being orginated in Sacramento.

I just completed Mediations in Vallejo and Auburn.

In 2018, I travelled to the Sacramento region 8 times.

Travels have taken me to the Northern part of California, Eureka and today was asked to mediate in  Redding.

I like travelling, as I have no conflicts of interest and I can wear my neutral hat. In other words, I know none of the parties or legal counsel.

Another alternative that expands my mediation circle is ODR  or Online Dispute Resolution, which I have done internationally and states beyond California.

My most long distance was a 3-way mediation from Sonora, San Jose & India, with a 12.5-time difference.

The online offers a cost-effective alternative and is especially valuable with claim adjusters or legal representatives.

The fee's that we offer for long distance are reasonable and cost-effective, compared to Arbitration or litigation.

More information on Mediation and services is offered at

Real Estate Mediation Services








































Jim W Hildreth-Mediator www.RealEstateMediation.org

Monday, December 10, 2018

Marijuana (Cannabis) Issues for the California Landlord


Does, Proposition 64 allow tenants to smoke marijuana in a rental property?

No, a lease agreement may have a "No Smoking" clause that prohibits smoking
of any substance, including tobacco and marijuana.

Proposition 64 specifically provides that landlords may prohibit
or restrict marijuana use on their property.


Jim W Hildreth Mediator
Real Estate Mediation Services









































































































































































































































Thursday, December 6, 2018

California Landlord & Tenant Rights

12/06/2018


In California, every Landlord and Tenant have rights and responsibilities, and often we see in small claims court what goes wrong when claims are made on those Rights and Responsibilities

01. Leases and Rental Agreements
02, Security Deposits
03. Issues over maintenance & repairs.
04. 3-30-60-90- day notices.

Understanding those rights and responsibilities is key to both the Landlord and Tenant.

In hundreds of cases that I have experienced as a Mediator, these conflicts on both sides would not have occurred if the parties more fully informed about Landlord Tenant Law.

A good understanding and foundation for both the landlord and Tenant are the NOLO Series of books that are written in plain English.

Two of the books that I recommend are The California Landlord Law Book and the other California Tenant Rights,

These books can be purchased at your local bookstore, order online and are often available at your local law library.

Hint, Hint, Christmas is coming.

One dispute that comes up often is the condition of the rental unit. Damages such as torn carpet a broken appliance, window,

Before moving in complete a Move-In Inspection and when vacating a Move- Out Inspection.

Take the extra step and take photos. of your unit.  Easy with a cell phone.

Often what comes up is the question is what is reasonable wear and tear?

Knowledge of deposits is a must.

My landlord advice is that you are running a business.

As a tenant, you have rights of privacy and a rental that is safe, secure and habitable. Do you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? Has the landlord given you the notice about Bed Bugs?

As a Landlord, there is a duty to know the law and as a tenant, there is a duty to pay your rent and abide by your tenancy agreement.

Many California Courts us Mediation as a required first step to settle differences.

In conclusion, know your rights and responsibilities.

Be a good landlord, be a good tenant.


Jim W Hildreth is a California Real Estate Mediator and Paralegal who's. focus are issues with Real Estate.

Real Estate Mediation Services

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Don't Let The Bed Bug Bite You


There is an old saying that you may have heard.


Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite You.

As a California Landlord, you may be interested in knowing that as a Landlord
you are required to disclose in writing, general information about Bed Bug and
along with the procedure that the tenant must follow to report suspect infestations to you.

As of July 1st, 2017 the Bed Bug disclosure was required prior to creating a new tenancy, this requirement would include single-family homes that you rent along multi-family units such as Duplex, Triplex.

Starting January 1, 2018, California Landlords were required to give the written disclosure to all your existing tenants.

Cal.Civ.Code 1954.600 et Seq.

















Jim W Hildreth-Mediator Para-Legal
Real Estate Mediation Services

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Mediation Question?

As a Mediator I'm often asked if you live in Sonora, do you Mediate outside of the Gold Country?

The answer is yes, the bulk of my Mediations are in the San Francisco Bay Area and most often in Oakland.

In 2018 I have traveled to Eureka, Sacramento, San Jose, Jackson, Placerville, Vallejo and cities between.

My travel is often a plus, as a Neutral  as I have no conflicts of interest.

This week I will be in Auburn and then return to Oakland

Recently I settled a dispute that had been litigated since 2011 for the City of Ione.

Yes, we will travel to your location.

Call (209) 536 1103

Using Alexa for Calls

Many of us have Alexa, many more will receive a Alexa device during the Holidays.
Mom 89 just received her 1st Amazon Dot and I will be teaching her how she can now make calls to friends in the USA free.
This same service includes Canada & Mexico.
Amazon has just announced that Alexa can link to Skype.
Yes, use your Alexa device to call family, friends.
Alexa Skype Mom.
This service includes 33 countries
This early Christmas gift is sure to please our family and global friends.

Jim W Hildreth is a Real Estate Mediator based in California  and will use this technology in Online Dispute Resolution. (ODR)