Along with the new year and resolutions, always comes new laws for landlords. Below, please find a summary of those new laws that may affect you.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Community Revitalization Authority
Assembly Bill 2 (D-Alejo)
AB 2 allows specified “disadvantaged” areas of California to create a new entity called a Community Revitalization Investment Authority. The purpose of the CRIA is to improve conditions with the intent to increase employment opportunities, reduce high-crime rates, repair deteriorating and inadequate infrastructure, clean up Brownfields and build affordable housing.
Density Bonuses and Parking Spaces
Assembly Bill 744 (D-Chau)
AB 744 allows a developer who is requesting a density bonus and including affordable units in the development to request that the city or county eliminate the minimum parking requirements for the development.
DISCRIMINATION
Insurance Discrimination
Assembly Bill 447 (R-Maienschein)
AB 447 prohibits insurers from discriminating against rental property owners who offer housing for tenants with Section 8 vouchers or other low-income programs.
Discrimination: Immigration Status
Senate Bill 600 (D-Pan)
SB 600 amends the Unruh Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of “citizenship,” “immigration status,” and “primary language.” Under this bill, a landlord who asks a prospective tenant to verify his/her immigration status will not constitute a violation of this law. CAA requested, and the author added, language to the bill to clarify that landlords are not required to provide documents in a language other than English unless the landlord negotiates contracts in another language (as already required by existing law).
LANDLORD-TENANT
Domestic Violence
Assembly Bill 418 (D-Chiu)
AB 418 reduces the time limit for a tenant (who is a victim of domestic violence) to give a notice of intent to vacate to the landlord from 30 days to 14 days. The bill originally required the landlord to return the security deposit in 14 days as well, but that language was eliminated from the bill at CAA’s request.
Pesticide Use
Senate Bill 328 (D-Hueso)
SB 328 requires a landlord or the landlord’s agent who applies pesticides at the property to provide the affected tenants with a written notice prior to the application.
Mold
Senate Bill 655 (D-Mitchell)
As initially introduced, SB 655 would have added mold to the conditions that make housing substandard. The bill was amended at CAA’s request. It now provides that a landlord has no obligation to repair a dilapidation relating to visible mold until the owner has received notice of the mold problem. The bill also holds the tenant responsible for mold that is caused by the tenant’s poor housekeeping. Under the bill, a property cannot be declared substandard unless a code enforcement officer makes