A bill opposed by CAA that would make it more difficult for landlords to move into their own properties or perform significant repairs continued to advance in the state Assembly this week.  

On Wednesday, SB 567 by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, won approval from the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on a 6-2 vote. The bill now heads to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. 

The legislation would amend the “just cause” for eviction provisions in California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, or AB 1482, in several ways. For example, it would redefine a property “owner” as a natural person with at least a 51% ownership interest. CAA argues this would prevent some landlords, particularly those owning property through a family trust or shared ownership, from occupying their own units or housing family members. 

SB 567 also would require landlords to secure and present permits before terminating tenancies for significant repairs, a change that could complicate essential property maintenance. Further, it seeks to extend the notice period for landlords wishing to remove units from the rental market by requiring a lengthy notice and would bar future owners from renting out units that have been removed from the rental market. This change could significantly affect the sales of smaller properties, possibly reducing their market value and attractiveness to potential buyers. 

Before Wednesday’s hearing, CAA urged landlords throughout the state to contact their Assembly members and express their opposition. Thousands of rental property owners took part in the campaign.  

While the bill continued to advance Wednesday, members of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee instructed Durazo to address the concerns raised by the CAA.  Thank you to those owners who sent letters.  Stay tuned for updates.