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A state senator introduced a bill this week that would require landlords to consider prospective tenants who use Section 8. The bill, SB 329 by Sen. Holly Mitchell, D-Los Angeles, would make it illegal to deny a tenancy based on the applicant’s participation in the federal Housing Choice voucher program.

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Interest in “just cause” for eviction proposals continued to grow in the North Bay this month, as the city of Novato became the latest jurisdiction in Marin County to begin researching the policy. On Feb. 12, the Novato City Council began preliminary discussions of just-cause eviction, based on a motion by Councilwoman Pam Drew. The council voted to discuss the matter further and to consider adopting just cause during the third quarter of this year, which falls between July 1 and Sept. 30. At the meeting, Alex Khalfin, CAA’s vice president of public affairs,  expressed CAA’s unequivocal opposition to just-cause… Read More

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As you consider prospective renters in 2019, remember that your applicant screening fee can only cover the expenses you incur in the process.

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Question: I have an ongoing unlawful detainer against one of my tenants, but he is continuing to create a disturbance at the property. Is there any way that the unlawful detainer can be expedited? Answer: Unfortunately, no. However, a restraining order may be available in extreme cases. If the tenant is engaging in a serious or criminal disturbance, call the police.

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A settlement agreement surrounding RecycLA, Los Angeles’ beleaguered waste-hauling franchise system, would fail to bring much-needed relief to multifamily housing owners in Los Angeles, says Beverly Kenworthy, vice president of public affairs fore CAA Los Angeles. The settlement agreement is between the Bureau of Sanitation and the six exclusive franchise haulers, ending a 15-month dispute, the L.A. Times reported. Since the program was rolled out in 2017, members of the California Apartment Association have seen a dramatic decline in service, including multiple missed pick-ups, while rates have soared by as much as 400 percent.

Tagged: Los Angeles

The Glendale City Council approved a tenant-relocation assistance program this week that includes a revised fee schedule based on amendments from the California Apartment Association. Thanks to CAA’s advocacy work, the Glendale council incorporated a tenant’s income into its schedule for calculating relocation fees. Previously, the fee schedule was based solely on a renter’s length of tenancy. Under the revised ordinance, which was approved on a 3-0 vote Tuesday, relocation fees may apply to tenants in pre-1995 buildings if they choose to leave after receiving a rent increase over 7 percent. The formula for the fees is as follows:  For… Read More

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The California Apartment Association is urging its members to attend the El Cerrito City Council meeting next week, where officials will consider “just cause” eviction policies and other onerous proposals. The City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 19, will hold a study session on policies including: Just Cause Eviction Ordinance: limits a landlord’s ability to regain possession of the property or evict problem tenants. Tenant Relocation Fee: forces payment to the tenant of up to five times the market rent if the rent is raised beyond a certain threshold and the tenant moves as a result of the rent increase. Rent… Read More

Tagged: Contra Costa

The Menlo Park City Council on Tuesday offered a mixed response to a potential tenant-relocation policy that includes a form of rent control and directed staff to return with two alternative versions of the proposal. The council took these steps during a study session on the potential ordinance that included nearly two hours of public testimony coming mainly from of concerned rental housing owners, many wearing yellow badges that said “Responsible Housing Providers.” Under the Housing Commission’s proposal, relocation fees would be triggered when rent increases over 5 percent plus CPI prompt qualifying renters to move. The resulting penalty would… Read More

Tagged: Tri-County

The California Apartment Association’s offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 18, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal operating hours will resume Tuesday.

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The California Apartment Association has offered its support for a bill that would raise the state’s renter’s tax credit for the first time in decades. “Housing costs are going through the roof in California, and families are struggling to pay the rent,” said state Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa. Glazer unveiled the bill Wednesday with two principal coauthors — Assemblywomen Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, and Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Orange County, as well as 28 coauthors. The legislation, SB 248, would increase California’s renter’s credit for the first time in 40 years and would represent significant help to single parents in particular.… Read More

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