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A state senator’s bid to boost multifamily construction near transit and job centers has already gotten farther than a similar proposal by the lawmaker last year. On Tuesday, the Senate Housing Committee approved SB 50 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, on a 9-1 vote. It is a retooled version of last year’s SB 827, which failed passage. SB 50 would allow for expedited housing construction near existing job centers and public transportation. Sen. Scott Wiener If they request it, developers who agree to build qualifying “job rich” or “transit rich” housing projects would be eligible for certain incentives, such… Read More

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During his state of the state address, Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed to 47 cities that have failed to meet their requirements for planning new housing. Given those numbers, it’s no wonder local governments are taking much of the blame for California’s ongoing housing shortage. At the same time, cities that do their fair share to address housing scarcity too often go unnoticed. CAA’s North Bay members got to hear about one such city last month — Rohnert Park. While speaking at a CAA North Bay membership meeting, Mayor Gina Belforte offered a detailed briefing on various housing projects throughout the… Read More

Tagged: North Bay

Question: I have heard five different answers from five different people. Please, tell me what I can legally deduct from my tenant’s security deposit. Answer: Rights and obligations regarding a residential tenants’ security deposit are governed by California Civil Code Section 1950.5. It is clear that you can use the deposit at least for cleaning, delinquent rent and damages above ordinary wear and tear. What is considered ordinary “wear and tear” is subject to a variety of opinions by judges. In order to convince a court that the damages were extraordinary, check-in and check-out records of the condition of the… Read More

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The California Apartment Association is mobilizing members to speak out against rent control and “just cause” eviction policies Tuesday in Milpitas. These policy proposals are expected to come up as the City Council receives a report from the Tenant Protection Task Force. The tenant advocate segment of the task force has pushed hard for rent control and “just cause,” refusing to except any alternatives, such as mediation or minimum lease requirements.

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The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday will consider adopting thinly veiled forms of rent and eviction controls. Under the proposals, landlords would have to pay relocation assistance to tenants who receive certain termination notices and when tenants decide to move amid rent increases of 10 percent or more. Penalizing landlords for rent increases beyond a specified threshold is a method for capping rents, while forcing relocation payments after certain termination notices controls evictions.

Tagged: Long Beach

The San Carlos City Council is adopting a ban on smoking in multifamily housing that includes a 14-month phase-in period secured by CAA. The California Apartment Association worked with the city to craft an ordinance that protects renters against the harmful effects of second-hand smoke while giving tenants who smoke time to adjust their habits. “You are trying to change their behavior, you’re not trying to evict the residents,” said Rhovy Lyn Antonio, CAA’s vice president of public affairs, as reported by the San Mateo Daily Journal.

Tagged: Tri-County

Voters will soon decide whether to increase taxes on improvements to buildings within the Los Angeles Unified School District, including apartments. On the June 4 ballot is Measure EE, which would levy a parcel tax of 16 cents per square foot of building improvements annually for 12 years. If approved, the measure is expected to raise $500 million per year for L.A. Unified, which is the nation’s second largest school district.

Tagged: Los Angeles

California lawmakers are again taking aim at the ability of landlords to terminate tenancies. February brought the introduction of two “just cause” for eviction bills  — AB 1481 by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, and AB 1697 by Assemblyman Tim Grayson, D-Concord. AB 1481 marks Bonta’s second attempt to pass statewide “just cause” legislation in as many years. Both Grayson’s and Bonta’s proposals would limit evictions to certain causes, such as failure to pay rent, a substantial breach of the lease, or use of the property for illegal activity. Criminal activity unrelated to the rental unit, however, wouldn’t count as a “just cause” under… Read More

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Question: At what point does my property require an onsite resident manager? Answer: If your property has 16 units or more, you are required to have a person onsite who represents the owner. Question: A resident at my property was taken to the hospital and passed away. Since the lease requires a 30-day notice, what is the law as far as reimbursement of the deposit?

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For the first time in a decade, the city of Los Angeles plans to bump up its annual cap on rent increases for rent controlled housing. During a 12-month period beginning in July, landlords with rent controlled units will be able to raise rents by up to 4 percent. The city has allowed rent increases on rent controlled housing just three times since 1993, the last time being in 2009, Curbed Los Angeles reported. For more information, see this flier from the L.A. Housing and Community Investment Department.

Tagged: Los Angeles