Newsom signs eviction protections law
Gavin Newsom
SACRAMENTO
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Saturday to bolster eviction protections for renters and close a loophole in an existing law that has allowed landlords to circumvent the state’s rent cap.
The move updates a 2019 landmark law that created rules around evictions and establishing a rent cap at 5 percent plus the inflation rate, with a 10 percent maximum.
Under the 2019 law, landlords can evict tenants for “at fault” or “no fault” reasons. “At fault” reasons include failure to pay rent on time. Under “no fault” rules, landlords can terminate leases by saying they need to move into units, make repairs or take the units off the rental market.
Renter advocates said some landlords have exploited the “no fault” evictions to get around the state’s rent cap.
They pointed to a case in Santa Clara County in which a landlord evicted tenants, citing the need to move in relatives, but then re-listed the units at nearly double the price.
Under the new law, landlords moving into their units or renting to family also must identify the people moving in.
In addition, the rental must be occupied within three months of eviction and they must live in the unit for at least a year.
Those who evict tenants to renovate properties must include copies of permits or contracts, among other details, when serving eviction notices.
Landlords who do not follow through will have to allow evicted tenants to move back under the original lease terms.
“Today is a victory for all Californians,” said Michelle Pariset, director of legislative affairs at Public Advocates, the group that sponsored the legislation. “Through this law more of our neighbors will be able to stay in their homes!”
The law, which was authored by state Sen. María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, also allows the attorney general, local government and renters to sue landlords for wrongful evictions and illegal rent increases.
Proponents said they have worked with several local governments to tighten the loophole, but the new law will ensure landlords throughout the state can no longer abuse the system.
The bill faced fierce backlash earlier this year from powerful landlord groups, who said the changes went too far and successfully pressured lawmakers to eliminate a provision that sought to reduce the state’s rent cap to 5 percent.
The bill is one of dozens signed into law by Newsom from the 2023 legislative season. He has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before Sept. 14.
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