Ann O’Connell

Ann O’Connell

Attorney · UC Berkeley School of Law

Ann O’Connell is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in landlord-tenant and real estate law. She writes for Nolo.com, Lawyers.com, and Avvo. Ann is a coauthor of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, which won a silver Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association in 2020, Every Landlord’s Legal Guide, Saving the Family Cottage, Renter's Rights, Leases and Rental Agreements, and Every Tenant's Legal Guide.

Legal career. Before joining Nolo as an editor, Ann was a freelance writer for Nolo as well as other publications and law firms. Ann practiced civil litigation in California and Colorado, and had her own firm in Colorado. At her firm, she focused on real estate, landlord-tenant, and small business cases. 

Credentials. Ann earned her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from UC Berkeley Law. She has passed the bar exams in California, Nevada, and Colorado, where she is both an active attorney and a real estate broker.

Landlord-tenant law. Ann’s favorite part of writing about landlord-tenant matters is the opportunity to help tenants—who often find it difficult to afford or hire a lawyer to represent them—understand and assert their rights. Ann’s research and writing on coronavirus-related eviction bans and tenant rights has been cited by numerous news outlets and government agencies, including Yahoo Finance, CNET, Fannie Mae, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Articles by Ann O’Connell

State E-Bike and Bicycle Helmet Laws
State law helmet requirements for e-bike and bicycle riders, and how injury cases might be affected when helmet laws are violated.
Required Landlord Disclosures: What Landlords Must Tell Tenants
Don't risk violating landlord-tenant law; mandatory disclosures differ significantly across federal, state, and city jurisdictions. Learn about the disclosures landlords need to make to tenants and understand the serious consequences of failure to disclose.
Can a Landlord Prohibit E-Cigarettes in a Multi-Tenant Building?
Discover how the growing regulation of e-cigarettes impacts multi-family housing, driven by public health concerns and the FDA classifying vapes as tobacco products. Learn whether established landlord-tenant principles like "quiet enjoyment" and the "implied warranty of habitability" can protect tenants from secondhand vapor, even without a specific no-vaping law.
Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Utah
Navigating the complexities of Utah landlord-tenant law is crucial for both property owners and residents. This guide breaks down key regulations, including rules for security deposits, late fees, evictions, and Fair Housing Act compliance, ensuring you have the knowledge needed for a smooth tenancy in Utah.
When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?
Protect your rental business and maximize profits by knowing when legal help is essential. Discover the critical situations—from evictions and discrimination claims to IRS audits—that require a lawyer's professional expertise to minimize your risk and liability.
Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Tennessee
Navigating Tennessee's landlord-tenant laws is crucial for stress-free renting or property management. Discover the essentials of security deposits, late rent rules, proper eviction procedures, and tenant rights across the state.
Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Rhode Island
Navigate the complexities of Rhode Island rental laws, from the one-month security deposit limit and application fee restrictions to specific rules on late rent notices and required landlord disclosures.
Landlord Responsibility for Bed Bugs
Dealing with bed bugs in a rental? Learn your legal rights and responsibilities, including who pays for extermination and what steps tenants must take to successfully resolve an infestation. Discover tips for reporting the problem to your landlord and preparing your unit for a professional inspection, helping you navigate this common rental issue.
State Rules on Notice Required to Change or Terminate a Month-to-Month Tenancy
In most states, landlords and tenants must provide 30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. Find out your state's rules.
Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Pennsylvania
Navigating Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law is crucial for property owners and renters to avoid costly disputes. Discover essential rules on security deposits, late fees, eviction procedures, and habitability standards in the Keystone State.
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