Attention San Diego landlords, three new laws aimed at tenant protections are about to land on your doorstep on January 1, 2024. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to navigate the changing landscape:
1. Capping Security Deposits: Say goodbye to hefty upfront fees. Assembly Bill 12 puts a lid on security deposits, limiting them to one month’s rent in addition to the first month’s rent. This means no more hefty financial barriers for responsible tenants and potentially smoother move-ins.
2. Fair Play for Renters: Discrimination based on source of income is now illegal in California. This means you can’t reject Section 8 voucher holders solely due to their income source. Open your doors to a wider pool of qualified tenants and embrace housing equality. Assembly Bill 1418 prohibits cities and counties from enacting “crime-free” housing programs and nuisance ordinances that require landlords to evict or refuse to rent to those with prior criminal convictions.
3. Second Chances for Second Floors: Assembly Bill 1620 empowers local jurisdictions like San Diego to implement a program that allows physically disabled tenants in non-elevator buildings to transfer to comparable ground-floor units. This ensures equal access to housing and promotes fair living conditions for all.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: While these changes may require adjustments, remember a stable and protected tenant population can benefit your business in the long run. By staying informed and complying with these new laws, you can build strong relationships with your tenants and navigate the evolving rental landscape with confidence.
4. Evicting Tenants Without Cause: California just passed Senate Bill 567 (Effective April 1, 2024) making it harder for landlords to evict tenants without cause. Here’s the breakdown:
Remodeling: Landlords can still evict for major renovations, but they have to:
- Give detailed plans and explain tenant rights to return if work falls through.
- Provide permits or contractor contracts.
- Offer tenants the chance to move back at the same rent if work doesn’t happen.
- Reimburse moving costs if work doesn’t happen and they rent to someone else within a year.
Owner Move-In: Landlords (or close family) can still move in, but they must:
- Live there for at least 12 months.
- Move in within 90 days of eviction.
- Own at least 51% of the property.
- Not already live on the property or have another unit available.
Other Evictions:
- Landlords using the “Ellis Act” to remove all units from rental market must remove all units.
- Tenants facing eviction for demolition can stay if it’s safe and legal.
- Landlords who break these rules face fines and lawsuits.
This law helps protect tenants from unfair evictions, especially during renovations or when owners want to move in themselves.
Need Help Navigating the New Rules? As a San Diego landlord attorney, I’m here to guide you through these changes and ensure you maintain compliant and successful rental practices. Contact me today for personalized advice and legal support.
This blog post format aims to inform San Diego landlords about the upcoming changes in a concise and digestible way, while also subtly promoting the attorney’s services. Feel free to customize it further by adding specific local insights or addressing potential concerns of San Diego landlords. Remember, being informative and approachable will build trust and attract potential clients.
