Assembly Bill No. 10 (Effective July 1, 2014) Minimum wage will go up to $9/hour and effective January 1, 2016, it will increase again to $10/hour. Landlords are required to pay their on-site managers the set minimum wage.
Senate Bill No. 612 – Tenants are allowed to notify landlords that he/she, or any other household member, was a victim of the following: elder/dependent adult abuse, sexual assault/abuse, stalking, domestic violence, or human trafficking and has the intentions of terminating the tenancy. To terminate the lease, the notification must be written and include one of the following attached to the notice: A copy of the restraining order, emergency protective order or protective order from the courts; a copy of the police report; or documentation from a qualified third party, such as a doctor.
AB 2747 (effective as of January 1, 2015.) Security Deposits and Electronic Communications. This law will permit a landlord and tenant to come to an agreement about using electronic communications that are regarding general security deposit concerns. The law allows a landlord to utilize email for certain requirements of a security deposit. This includes the Right to Inspect property before termination of tenancy. Security deposit itemization is not included. Itemization delivery will still need to be delivered by Personal Service of First Class Mail.
Assembly Bill No. 60– (effective as of January 1, 2015) Department of Motor Vehicles will allow issuance of driver licenses to those who do not apply a social security number on the application. However, satisfactory proof will need to be provided that they are lawfully in the United States under federal law. Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a license to individuals who may be unable to show the proof of their legal residence. The applicant has the choice to sign an affidavit stating that they are not eligible for a social security number and cannot show proof of their legal residence. Landlords will not be allowed to deny a potential tenant an apartment while they are undergoing the screening process.
Assembly Bill 2310 (effective as of September 1, 2014.) Evictions Los Angeles, Long Beach. This law allows the city attorney of these cities to make the landlord evict any tenant who may be in unlawful possession of ammunition and weapons. For any reason there may be safety concern issues, the city attorney can bring the action on behalf of that city. Before filing the action, the city attorney is required to give the landlord a 30 (thirty) day notice making the landlord evict the tenant. The eviction will be on a basis that there was an arrest or warrant made by a law enforcement agency because of unlawful possession of weapons or if there was a reporting of an offense that occurred on the property.
Assembly Bill 2565 (will go into effect July 1, 2015.) Electronic Vehicles. Landlords are now required to allow installation of electric vehicle charging stations. The renter will be responsible for meeting electronic station requirements and at their expense. This pertains to any lease what will be extended, executed, or renewed on the day of July 1, 2015 or after this date. The landlord will need to approve the modification process. This law will not apply to any properties that have less than 5 (five) parking spaces or if the property is subject to Rent Control. The tenant is required to maintain a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy. The tenant will be held accountable for any costs before installation and if there are any costs later such as: repair, damage, or removal/replacement of the charging stations.
Senate Bill No. 745 – Any smoke alarms that were sold in California after July 1, 2014 will have a non-removable/replaceable battery that is able to power the smoke alarm for the maximum of ten (10) years. This amendment will not apply to any smoke alarms that are in inventory or have been ordered by a wholesaler, managing agent, contractor, retailer, or owner on or before July 1, 2014 – July 1, 2015.
1. (Effective January 1, 2015) Smoke Alarms are required to display the date it was manufactured on the device itself. Also, a place on the device that can be used to write the date of installation. A hush feature can be incorporated but must be listed and approved by the State Fire Marshal. Landlords with residential rental units will need to change the smoke alarms to meet the requirements of Senate Bill No. 745.
Assembly Bill 2561 (in effect as of January 1, 2015.) Landlords are required to allow their tenants to partake in “personal agriculture”. Portable containers that are placed in tenants’ back yard, will need to be approved by the landlord. Ground level planting will be allowed for fruits and vegetables solely. Planting marijuana for personal use will not be allowed under any circumstances.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer nor do I claim to be one. This blog post is for general information only and legal council should be sought before any action is taken. -Trevor