As the real estate market continues to evolve, it is essential that landlords in Ventura County stay informed on recent legal updates that may affect their rental properties. This article will provide an overview of some of the most recent updates to rental real estate laws in Ventura County, including information on eviction moratoriums, rent control regulations, and tenant rights. By staying informed about these legal changes, landlords can ensure that they are in compliance with the law and can make informed decisions when managing their properties.
AB 2559
AB 2559, also known as the Reusable Screening Reports bill, is a recent piece of legislation in California that aims to make the rental application process more efficient for landlords and tenants. This bill, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, applies to landlords in Ventura County and across the state.
A Reusable Screening Report is a report that has been created within the previous 30 days by a consumer reporting agency who is adhering to all applicable laws. This is paid for by the tenant, and must be made available to the landlord at no additional cost. This means that landlords can use the same tenant screening report for multiple rentals, instead of having to obtain a new report for each application. This can save landlords time and money, as well as reduce the burden on tenants who may have to provide the same information multiple times. Additionally, landlords must provide tenants with a copy of the report upon request.
The bill also requires landlords to provide tenants with the contact information of the consumer reporting agency that provided the report, so that tenants can contest any inaccuracies in the report with the agency, direcly.
SB 869
SB 869, also known as the Manager Training for Mobilehome Parks bill, is a recent piece of legislation. It seeks to ensure that mobilehome park managers have the training they need in order to most effectively manage the property. This bill applies to mobilehome park managers in Ventura County, as well as those across California.
The bill requires that at least one mobilehome park manager onsite must complete a 6-8 hour training program on the rights and responsibilities of mobilehome park residents. At the end of the program, there is an exam. Every two years after this initial test, the manager must participate in updated training between 2-4 hours. The completed certifications should be displayed onsite. This program also covers the state laws and regulations that govern mobilehome parks.
This bill is intended to be implemented May 1, 2025.
SB 1157
SB 1157 is a California state bill that pertains to water usage objectives,and intends to reduce the use of water in residential indoor settings. Until the bill goes into effect, January 2025, water usage remains at 55 gallons daily, per capita, according to KTSJ. It will then be reduced to 47 gallons. On January 1, 2030, this will further be reduced to 42 gallons.
It is possible that dates may change.
AB 1096
AB 1096 is a California state bill that pertains to changing the term "alien" to "noncitizen" in state law. The bill was introduced in 2020 and aims to change the term "alien" to "noncitizen" in various sections of the California Government Code. The bill would change references to "alien" to "noncitizen" in the areas of taxation, labor, and public benefits. The bill's sponsor argues that the term "alien" is a dehumanizing and offensive term, and that changing it to "noncitizen" would promote respect and inclusivity. Additionally, it could help to prevent the discrimination and marginalization of noncitizens in California. This bill is still in process and it has not been passed yet.
SB 1396
SB 1396 is a California state bill that pertains to tenancy credit reporting evaluation in Ventura County. The bill would require landlords and property managers to provide tenants the opportunity of reporting certain information to a credit reporting agency. This could include whether a tenant paid rent on time and if they have any evictions on their record.
SB 649
SB 649 is a bill related to affordable housing and local tenant preference. The bill aims to ensure that low-income renters have a fair chance at obtaining affordable housing by giving local tenants priority over non-local tenants in the application process. This can be accomplished by giving preference to renters who live in the area where the affordable housing is being developed or by giving preference to renters who have a history of living in the area.
SB 971
SB 971 is a bill related to household pets in affordable housing. The bill aims to protect the rights of renters to keep their household pets, including cats and dogs, in affordable housing developments. According to the bill, housing developments financed on or prior to the first of January, 2018, must accept common household pets within reason. This can be accomplished by prohibiting landlords from denying tenancy to renters based on their pet ownership.
While landlords are not able to charge a pet rent, they would be alllowed to charge a refundable deposit.
AB 2662
AB 2662 is a bill related to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and its purpose. AB 2662 clarifies the purpose of the DFEH. The goal is to ensure that all Californians have access to fair and equal opportunities and to provide better protection for marginalized communities.
In conclusion, it is important for landlords in Ventura County to stay informed about updates to real estate laws in order to avoid costly mistakes. The recent SB 591, SB 649, SB 971, and AB 2662, are just a few examples of the changes in laws that landlords should be aware of. By staying informed and working with experienced professionals, landlords can ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and can avoid costly penalties and legal disputes. With these laws and regulations in place, it also ensures that tenants are protected and treated fairly, which can lead to a more positive and productive landlord-tenant relationship.
