Curtis Dowling

Navigating the intricate world of real estate and landlord-tenant law in California, especially within a highly regulated market like San Francisco, requires the guidance of a seasoned legal professional. For property owners, managers, and real estate professionals across the Bay Area, understanding the complexities of rent control, eviction proceedings, and property disputes can be a significant challenge. This is where the expertise of an attorney like Curtis Dowling becomes invaluable. With decades of dedicated experience, Curtis Dowling has established himself as a leading authority in real estate and landlord-tenant law, providing comprehensive legal solutions for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Curtis Dowling is renowned for his deep understanding of both residential and commercial real estate matters, offering strategic advice and robust representation in and out of court. Whether you're dealing with an owner-move-in eviction, a complex commercial lease dispute, or navigating the nuances of San Francisco's rent ordinances, having a knowledgeable advocate on your side is paramount. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Curtis Dowling's legal practice, highlighting his areas of specialization, accessibility, and the distinct advantages he offers to the local community in California.

Curtis Dowling's office is conveniently located at 625 Market St # 4, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. This prime location in the heart of downtown San Francisco ensures excellent accessibility for clients from all corners of the Bay Area. Situated within a vibrant commercial district, the office is easily reachable by various modes of transportation.

The Market Street address places the office in close proximity to major public transit hubs, including multiple Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations. This makes it a convenient destination for clients commuting from different neighborhoods within San Francisco, as well as those traveling from the East Bay, North Bay, and Peninsula. For those who prefer to drive, numerous public parking garages are available within a short walking distance, providing flexible options. The central location not only offers ease of access but also reflects the firm's integration within the professional and legal landscape of San Francisco, making it a reliable and convenient choice for local property owners and managers seeking expert legal advice.

Curtis Dowling specializes primarily in real estate law and landlord-tenant law, with a particular emphasis on representing property owners and managers. His extensive experience allows him to handle a wide array of cases, from routine advisory matters to complex litigation. His services are tailored to help clients navigate the often challenging legal and regulatory environment of real estate in California, especially in rent-controlled cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. Here's a breakdown of the key services he provides:

• Residential Landlord-Tenant Litigation:
  • Evictions (Unlawful Detainers): Expertise in various types of evictions, including for-cause evictions (e.g., breach of lease, nuisance), owner-move-in evictions, qualified-relative-move-in evictions, and post-foreclosure evictions.
  • Ellis Act Withdrawals: Assisting property owners with the complex process of withdrawing residential rental units from the rental market under the Ellis Act for owner-occupancy or redevelopment. Mr. Dowling notably invalidated San Francisco Planning Code § 209.10 in 1999, which attempted to hinder Ellis Act withdrawals.
  • Rent Control and Eviction Control Systems: Providing comprehensive advice and representation regarding the intricate rent control regulations and nuances in place throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. He also teaches MCLE courses on this topic.
  • Buyouts: Advising and negotiating tenant buyout agreements.
  • Defense of Wrongful Eviction Claims: Robust representation for landlords facing wrongful eviction lawsuits.
  • Property Management Advice: Offering ongoing legal guidance to property managers on compliance, lease drafting, and tenant relations.
• Commercial Landlord-Tenant Law:
  • Commercial Leasing: Drafting, reviewing, and analyzing commercial lease agreements.
  • Commercial Tenant Dispute Resolution: Handling disputes between commercial landlords and tenants, including breach of lease cases.
  • Litigation for Commercial Property Owners and Tenants: Representing clients in various commercial real estate disputes.
• General Real Estate Litigation:
  • Contract Claims: Litigating disputes arising from real estate contracts.
  • Wrongful Eviction and Malicious Prosecution Actions: Representing property owners and managers in these specific claims.
  • Boundary Disputes, Quiet Title, and Partition Actions: Resolving conflicts related to property boundaries, ownership claims, and division of co-owned property.
  • Complex Construction Defect Litigation: Handling legal issues arising from construction flaws.
  • Real Estate Transactional Matters: Assisting clients with the legal aspects of buying, selling, and transferring real estate.
  • Formation of TIC's (Tenancy in Common): Providing legal assistance for co-ownership structures.
• Other Litigation Experience: While primarily focused on real estate, Mr. Dowling also has significant experience litigating personal injury, civil rights, securities law, and business law claims in state and federal court.

Curtis Dowling's legal practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set him apart as a highly respected attorney in California's real estate and landlord-tenant legal landscape:

• Decades of Specialized Experience: Mr. Dowling has been practicing law in California since 1997, with a dedicated focus on real estate and landlord-tenant matters for over 20 years. This extensive experience provides him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the law and a proven track record of successful outcomes.
• Recognized by Super Lawyers: Curtis Dowling has been selected to Super Lawyers for multiple years (2023-2025), a prestigious recognition awarded to a select number of attorneys based on peer recognition and professional achievement. This acknowledgment underscores his standing as a top-rated attorney in the field.
• Published Appellate Decisions and Landmark Cases: Mr. Dowling has been counsel in several published appellate decisions, demonstrating his expertise in complex legal arguments and his ability to shape legal precedent. Notably, he secured the invalidation of San Francisco Planning Code § 209.10 in 1999, a significant victory for property owners regarding the Ellis Act. He has also secured reversals of adverse trial court rulings and judgments for his clients, including overturning a nearly $700,000 judgment against a commercial tenant.
• Authored and Taught MCLE Courses: For over two decades, Mr. Dowling has been an MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) lecturer in San Francisco and Oakland. He teaches lawyers, property managers, and other real estate professionals various aspects of commercial and residential landlord-tenant litigation and practice, particularly rent and eviction control systems. This highlights his status as a thought leader in the field.
• Affiliation with Property Owner Associations: Mr. Dowling is actively involved with and serves on committees for prominent organizations such as the San Francisco Apartment Association (SFAA), the Professional Property Managers Association, and the California Apartment Association (CAA). He is currently the Chair of the Legal/Judicial/Liability Policy Subcommittee, Chair of the Legal Action Committee, and an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of the California Apartment Association (since 2017). As counsel for the SFAA, he has secured the publication of landlord-favorable decisions in several Court of Appeal cases.
• Strategic and Practical Approach: Clients benefit from his ability to handle cases ranging from the most sophisticated to the simplest, providing cost-effective and practical advice. His firm, Dowling & Marquez, LLP, emphasizes being "reasonable people at reasonable rates."
• Admitted to Practice in Federal Courts: Mr. Dowling is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States District Court, Northern District of California, enabling him to handle cases in both state and federal jurisdictions.

Curtis Dowling's legal practice, like many highly specialized professional services, operates on a foundation of providing expert legal counsel and achieving positive client outcomes, rather than offering promotional discounts or seasonal deals typical of retail businesses. His value proposition stems from his extensive experience, deep knowledge of real estate and landlord-tenant law, and his proven track record of success in highly complex matters. Clients seeking his expertise are typically looking for robust representation and strategic solutions to significant legal challenges. Therefore, the "special offer" from Curtis Dowling lies in his unparalleled experience, recognition as a Super Lawyer, his role in shaping landlord-tenant law through landmark cases, and his commitment to providing reasonable and effective legal services. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact his office to discuss their specific legal needs and understand the fee structure for the personalized and expert legal guidance he provides.

For property owners, managers, and other individuals in California seeking expert legal assistance with real estate and landlord-tenant matters, connecting with Curtis Dowling's office is straightforward:

• Address: 625 Market St # 4, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
• Phone: (415) 977-0444
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-977-0444

It is always advisable to call ahead to schedule an appointment for a consultation, ensuring that Mr. Dowling or a member of his team can dedicate focused time to discuss your specific legal situation. His office is committed to being responsive and accessible to clients who need expert guidance in the intricate world of California real estate law.

For residents of California, particularly property owners and managers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Curtis Dowling offers an indispensable legal resource. The region's unique and often challenging real estate market, characterized by stringent rent control ordinances and complex landlord-tenant regulations, demands an attorney with specialized knowledge and extensive local experience. Mr. Dowling's practice is perfectly suited to meet these needs, making him an ideal choice for locals facing real estate legal challenges.

His decades of dedicated focus on landlord-tenant and real estate law, coupled with his active involvement in prominent industry associations like the San Francisco Apartment Association and California Apartment Association, signify his deep immersion in and influence on local real estate legal matters. The fact that he teaches other legal professionals and has been instrumental in landmark legal decisions, such as the invalidation of specific San Francisco Planning Code provisions, provides a strong testament to his authoritative knowledge and practical impact. For a property owner navigating an owner-move-in eviction, a commercial entity dealing with a lease dispute, or anyone grappling with the complexities of rent control, Curtis Dowling provides the strategic insight and rigorous representation necessary to protect their interests and achieve favorable outcomes. His convenient downtown San Francisco location further solidifies his suitability, ensuring that expert real estate legal counsel is readily accessible to the local community in California.