Pro bono real estate lawyer for donating rental to refugees?
We are hoping to donate use of our vacant apartment in Berkeley to an organization supporting Afghan refugees, for use as housing for 6+ months. Does anyone know a real estate attorney who would be willing to donate her/his time to help us make sure we're doing the donation/agreement properly? We want to make sure we're in line with Berkeley rental codes and do not want to create a landlord-tenant relationship. The organization we're working with, Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay, may be familiar with such an arrangement but we want to take it off their plate if they aren't. And figure it out ahead of time so that they can move quickly. Thank you, generous East Bay community!
Aug 30, 2021
Parent Replies
If someone is living on your property, even if they do not pay rent, you have a landlord-tenant relationship. It can take time and money to get rid of squatters. Rent control makes it difficult to help people. Your only possible out is to create a roommate situation. Set up an office in the apartment, for instance, and use it regularly. Make sure that you go in the kitchen, if only to make a cup of tea. And use the bathroom, too. You could turn this into an excuse to socialize and get to know them a little better.