One of the latest bills that California landlords should be following is SB 329, a bill introduced this week that will require landlords to consider tenants that are on Section 8 or any other Federal Housing program.

About SB 329

Under the existing law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, prohibits housing discrimination, including discrimination through public or private land use practices, decisions, or authorizations, based on specified personal characteristics, including source of income. Existing law defines the term “source of income” for purposes of the provisions relating to discrimination in housing accommodations described above, to mean lawful, verifiable income paid directly to a tenant or paid to a representative of a tenant.

What Comes Next?

Authored by Sen. Holly Mitchell, a Democrat from Los Angeles, SB 329 is without a doubt a direct response to the housing affordability crisis in California.

The bill would require landlords to view vouchers from programs like Section 8 as part of an applicant’s source of “income” and landlords would not be able use a housing subsidy as a reason to deny a possible tenant even though programs like Section 8 do not legally meet the standard for an applicant’s source of income.

California landlords should follow the development of SB 329 closely because this bill, along with others like AB 36, are the states direct efforts to succeed in enacting rent control in California in one way or another following the defeat of Proposition 10 in the November 2018 election.

2019 is shaping up to be a big year! Follow our blog to stay on top of the latest legislation and news which will affect rental housing in the Golden State.

Contact 36 North Property Management

Do you have questions about the latest laws and regulations which will directly affect your investment properties in California? Or are you interested in learning more about our property management services? Contact us today by calling (831) 484-4604 or click here to connect with us online.