CA SB 611

Title: Residential rental properties: fees and advertisements.
Author: Caroline Menjivar

Summary
SB 611, as amended, Menjivar. Residential rental properties: fees and advertisements. (1) Existing law regulates the hiring of real property and imposes various requirements on landlords relating to the application for, and leasing of, residential rental property. Existing law establishes provisions for the renewal or termination of a hiring of residential real property for an unspecified term. Existing law specifies the notice required for the termination of a hiring of residential property for an unspecified term. Existing law makes a tenant of real property guilty of unlawful detainer if, among other things, the tenant continues in possession of the real property after giving notice of termination of a hiring of residential property for an unspecified term.This bill would prohibit a landlord or its agent from charging a tenant a fee for serving, posting, or otherwise delivering any notice, as specified in the above-described provisions.(2) Existing law requires a landlord or landlord’s agent to allow a tenant to pay rent and deposit of security by at least one form of payment that is neither cash nor electronic funds transfer, except as prescribed.This bill would prohibit a landlord or its agent from charging a tenant any fee for payment by check for rent or security deposit as described above.(3) Existing law prohibits a person or corporation that occupies, manages, or provides services in connection with real property, from certain advertisement practices related to animals and imposes a civil penalty on an individual who violates that standard, as specified.Regarding advertisements and the hiring of real property, commencing July 1, 2024, this bill would require landlords or their agents who advertise or provide a quote for residential property for rent and who include a specific or range of monthly rent rates to include specified information in the monthly rate. The bill would require the advertisement to include specified information if a payment, fee, deposit, or charge is required to be paid prior to, or at the beginning of, the tenancy. The bill would authorize the advertisement or quote to state the ongoing monthly rate after the tenant pays all one-time payments, fees, deposits, and charges.(4) Existing law prohibits a landlord from demanding or receiving security from a service member for a rental agreement for residential property, as specified, unless the tenant has a history of poor credit or of causing damage to the rental property or its furnishings.If a landlord or agent charges a higher than standard or advertised security deposit as described above, this bill would require the lease agreement to include a statement of, among other things, the amount of the higher fee and an explanation why the higher security deposit amount is being charged. The bill would require the additional amount of security deposit to be returned to the tenant after no more than 6 months of residency if the tenant is not in arrears for any rent due during that period and if the higher amount is not due to a prior history of residential property damage.

Status
June 20 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.

Bill Documents
CA SB 611 - 05/25/23 - Amended Senate
05/25/23 - CA SB 611 (05/25/23 - Amended Senate)