Good Life Property Management Editorial Guidelines
Mission
Good Life Property Management creates education, tools, and insights that help rental property owners relax, earn more, and live the good life. Our content is designed to make rental ownership easier, safer, and more profitable while supporting positive outcomes for tenants and communities.
We focus on clear, practical guidance for:
- Individual landlords and small-to-mid-size investors
- Homeowners turning a primary residence into a rental
- Real estate professionals and partners who serve California rental owners
Objectivity & Independence
We aim to give landlords practical, unbiased information that helps them make better decisions.
- We do not let sales goals, service offerings, or advertising partners determine what topics we cover or how we cover them.
- Our editorial team is empowered to tell the truth, even when the most accurate answer is “it depends,” “this is risky,” or “this may not be right for you.”
- We prioritize what is most helpful and relevant to rental owners in our markets over what is most convenient for us as a company.
Audience, Scope & Voice
Audience, Scope & Voice
Our primary audience includes:
- Rental property owners and investors in California (especially San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside)
- Landlords who self-manage but want professional-level guidance
- Clients and prospective clients of Good Life Property Management
What We Cover
We create content on topics such as:
- California landlord-tenant law and fair housing obligations
- Local rental market trends and economic conditions
- Property management best practices (leasing, maintenance, screening, etc.)
- Risk management, compliance, and documentation
- Real-world case studies, checklists, and templates
Voice & Tone
Our voice reflects who we are as a company:
- Expert yet approachable – we simplify complex rules without talking down to readers.
- Calm and grounded – we help landlords make decisions without fearmongering or hype.
- Action-oriented – we focus on concrete steps, not vague theory.
- Respectful – we acknowledge the needs of owners, tenants, and vendors; we do not vilify any group.
Transparency & Attribution
Transparency builds trust. To that end:
- We clearly identify authors on each article, with a short bio and, when relevant, real estate or legal credentials.
- When we rely on outside data or laws (for example, CAR, CAA, local housing authorities, HUD, census data, state code), we link to original or primary sources whenever possible.
- When we reference Good Life products or services, we do so openly and clearly, and only when they are genuinely relevant to solving the reader’s problem.
Conflicts of Interest
Good Life Property Management is a property management company, and we acknowledge that reality openly. To maintain credibility:
- Our first allegiance in editorial content is to the reader’s interests, not to closing a sale.
- We do not publish “reviews” of our own services disguised as independent evaluations.
- Team members must disclose any outside financial interests (for example, ownership in specific vendors or products mentioned), and we either:
- Avoid covering those entities, or
- Disclose the relationship clearly in the content.
We do not accept gifts, payments, or incentives from vendors or partners in exchange for favorable coverage.
Verification & Fact-Checking
Accuracy is essential, especially in legal and financial topics that affect people’s homes and investments.
- Writers are responsible for verifying facts, laws, numbers, and timelines using current, reputable sources.
- When discussing California or local laws, we aim to:
- Reference the relevant statute or code section; and
- Note the jurisdiction and effective date when it materially affects the advice.
- Editors review content for:
- Factual accuracy
- Internal consistency
- Clear sourcing for key claims and figures
When we’re explaining complex legal topics, we focus on plain-language summaries and encourage readers to consult an attorney for application to their specific situation.
Corrections Policy
We aim to correct errors promptly and clearly.
If we discover a material error (for example, a wrong law, date, percentage, or misleading explanation):
- We verify the issue using reputable sources.
- If a correction is warranted, we:
- Update the content, and
- Add a brief “Correction” or “Editor’s Note” at the bottom of the article explaining what changed and when.
- For minor clarifications (for example, improved wording or additional context) we may update the content without a full correction note, at the editor’s discretion.
Updates & Content Lifecycle
Real estate and rental laws change often. To keep our content trustworthy:
- Time-sensitive articles (for example, law changes, market updates, or government shutdown impacts) include a clear published date and are periodically reviewed for relevance.
- When we substantially update an article, we add a short note such as “Updated on [date] to reflect [change].”
- Content that becomes outdated, inaccurate, or redundant may be:
- Rewritten and updated,
- Redirected to a newer, more complete resource, or
- Removed from public view if it no longer serves readers.
Legal, Fair Housing & Compliance Considerations
We operate in one of the most regulated housing environments in the country. Our editorial standards reflect that:
- We do not publish content that encourages or excuses discrimination or unlawful practices.
- All guidance must align with federal fair housing law, California fair housing protections (including source of income, Section 8, and other protected classes), and any relevant local ordinances to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.
- When discussing sensitive topics (screening, evictions, Section 8 participation, rent increases, etc.), we emphasize:
- Equal treatment
- Consistent, documented policies
- Awareness of protected classes and local rules
We strive to model the kind of compliant, equitable, and professional practices we advise.
Use of Data, Research & Case Studies
When we use data (rental rates, vacancy trends, sales volumes, migration patterns, etc.):
- We identify the source and timeframe of the data.
- We avoid cherry-picking numbers to justify a predetermined narrative.
- We explain limitations where appropriate (for example, “based on MLS data for San Diego County,” “survey of our own portfolio,” etc.).
Case studies and examples are either:
- Based on real situations with identifying details changed, or
- Aggregated/composite scenarios drawn from repeated patterns in our experience.
We never share confidential client or tenant information.
Expert Contributors & Review
From time to time, we may collaborate with outside professionals (attorneys, CPAs, lenders, insurance professionals, etc.) or internal subject-matter experts.
- Contributors are selected based on relevant expertise, experience, and alignment with our values.
- When a piece has been legally or technically reviewed (for example, by an attorney or CPA), we note that review in the article.
- Expert review improves accuracy but does not create an attorney-client or advisor-client relationship with readers.
Use of AI & Assistive Tools
We may use AI and other digital tools to help brainstorm, research, or edit content. However:
- A human editor is always responsible for reviewing, verifying, and approving content before publication.
- We do not publish unreviewed, auto-generated content.
- Facts and legal guidance from AI tools are treated as starting points only, not as authoritative sources.
Visuals, Charts & Downloads
Images, charts, and downloadable tools (checklists, templates, calculators, etc.) must:
- Accurately represent the concepts discussed in the article
- Avoid misleading visual distortions of data (for example, altered axes or omitted context)
- Be clearly labeled and, where applicable, sourced
We do not use before-and-after photos or visuals that misrepresent property conditions or outcomes.
Internal Standards & Accountability
These guidelines apply to all Good Life content, including:
- Blog posts and articles
- Email newsletters
- Video scripts and webinars
- Downloadable guides and checklists
- Social media posts that provide substantive advice
All staff, contractors, and contributors are expected to:
- Follow these editorial guidelines
- Raise questions or concerns about accuracy, fairness, or compliance
- Participate in periodic training on fair housing, legal updates, and editorial standards