Updates to the California Tenant Protection Act (TPA) - Effective April 1st, 2024
The California Tenant Protection Act 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to provide enhanced rights and protections for tenants in the state.
Key Provisions to protect Tenants:
1. Just Cause Eviction
2. Extended Notice Periods
3. Limitations on Rent Increases
4. Relocation Assistance
5. Prohibition on Discrimination
6. Housing conditions
7. Security Deposits
What are some just causes to evict Tenants?
All the following would qualify as a just cause to evict a renter under the Tenant Protection Act:
1. Nonpayment of rent.
2. A breach of the material terms of the lease.
3. Nuisance, waste, unlawful, or criminal activity.
4. Refusal to sign a written extension or renewal of the lease.
5. Assigning or subletting.
6. Refusal to allow the owner to enter the unit.
7. The owner moves themselves or a family member into a unit.
8. The owner substantially renovating.
Effective July 1, 2024 – there will be changes to the amount charged for Security deposits.
Housing Providers will only be able to collect one month’s rent as a security deposit. There are exceptions to this rule, specifically regarding Small Landlords. Small Landlords may collect two months’ rent as a Security deposit. The definition by law of a Small Landlord is as follows: A single-family home owned by individuals or a family trust. Additionally, a small landlord can own up to two rental properties with no more than four total units. Example: Two duplexes or a single-family home and a tri-plex. The properties cannot have any corporate ownership.
For all landlords, if the prospective tenant is a Service member, the security deposit is limited to one month’s rent.
An owner who materially violates the TPA by improperly terminating a tenancy or by raising the rent beyond the maximum amount is liable for: actual damages; reasonable attorney’s fees and costs (at the discretion of the judge); up to three times actual damages for willful violations; and punitive damages.
Some of the below cities in California have Rent Control Provisions. It is highly suggested that tenants inquire and research any property of interest to see what landlord/tenant rules apply to the area/city.
Beverly Hills Berkeley
East Palo Alto Pasadena
Hayward Pomona
Long Beach Richmond
Los Angeles San Francisco
Los Gatos San Jose
Mountain View Santa Ana
Oakland Santa Monica
Oxnard Thousand Oaks
Palm Springs West Hollywood
More information can be found on the: State of California – Department of Justice website.
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