Pets are part of the family.

They might be a kid's best friend or a widower's closest companion. But no matter who they live with, pets are the perfect antidote to stress, always good for a laugh and a loving touch.

Most of the big property management companies allow them, and Castle advises our owners to allow them too.

We love Fluffy and Fido, but this is a business decision. People are serious about their pets, and being open to them brings more prospective residents to our doors. They're generally happy to pay an increased security deposit and $25-$50 "pet rent" per month.

Other than decreased business, a no-pets policy presents challenges. People can easily get a doctor's note that forces management to accept their pet, for example. And what about those pets who just show up one day?

Once again, this is up to our owners. But being open to pets extends our reach and gives us a responsible framework for dealing with residents who add a pet to their home.

Spring is finally here! Wishing you a season of sunshine and warmth.

California law requires real estate brokers to complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years in order to renew their licenses. The curriculum is heavy on fair housing, consumer service and customer protection.

Many of us at Castle are real estate brokers. Some of us aren't. But our staff undergoes a top-to-bottom fair housing refresher every two years.

Yes: we all keep up to date on fair housing laws, whether the law requires it or not.

Federal and state housing laws ban discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics not related to responsibility. What’s that last part mean? As property managers, we'll screen residents based on substantive, documented facts that impact our communities. If someone is abusive to our staff, has a criminal record or a history of bad debts, we’re not obligated to rent to them.

Castle treats our clients, residents and vendors with fairness and respect. Every day, no exceptions. That means going above and beyond the letter of the law. That's the Castle Difference.