With the governor’s race between John H. Cox (R) and Gavin Newsom (D) fast approaching current California Governor Jerry Brown has been very busy, signing several rental housing laws that are expected to go in effect in January before he retires.
Some of the recent laws that he has signed include the new balcony inspection requirement law in a wide variety of other laws which are expected to change how evictions are processed in the state of California.
In this article, we will list for you several of the recent laws which Governor Brown has signed just so you’ll know what to expect in 2019 if you own rental property in the Monterey County area or else were in California.
Eviction Process Changes (AB 2343)
Landlords will now have to wait longer before starting the eviction process. The eviction notice wait time excludes judicial holidays (including Saturday and Sunday). These provisions became operative on September 1, 2019.
Evictions due to Unlawful Weapons (AB 2930)
Existing law allows rental properties in the City of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Sacramento to file for an action on an unlawful detainer to abate the nuisance caused by illegal conduct involving unlawful weapons or ammunition. This law was going to sunset on January 1, 2019, but now that AB 2930 has passed, the sunset date has been extended to January 1, 2024, and additional unlawful detainer provisions have been added.
New Apartment Balcony and Stairwell Inspections (SB 721)
Buildings with 3 or more multi-family dwelling units are required to have an inspection of exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements (including decks and balconies) to reveal any conditions that pose an immediate hazard to the safety of the tenants. These inspections must be completed by January 1, 2025, with subsequent inspections required every 6 years (some exceptions available). A copy of the completed inspection report would be required to remain in the owner’s records for 2 inspection cycles.
Density for Low-Income Students (SB 1227)
Perhaps good news for college students, this bill opens the gates for more student housing. Developments can achieve a density bonus if all the units are used by full-time students (enrolled in an accredited university) and if at least 20% of that rental housing is used by low-income students.
Homeless Youth Act of 2018 (SB 918)
The Homeless Coordinating Council will now oversee and administer grant programs for homeless young people and families, funded from funds appropriated by the Legislature, federal funds, special fund money, and gifts and donations. No more than 40% of the total funds granted in a year will be used to establish, expand, or operate shelter programs, with the rest dedicated to direct homeless aid.
The Orange County Housing Trust (AB 448)
This creates the Orange County Housing Finance Trust for the purpose of funding housing for low income and homeless persons.
San Francisco BART Housing (AB 2923)
Inconsistent zoning standards (after July 1, 2022) that are within ½ a mile of any existing or planned Bay Area Rapid Transit (or BART) station will change to local zoning. This will allow more affordable residential housing units to be built closer to BART stations.
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