Bill Won’t Require Small Landlords to Accept Pets in Sacramento

A recent legislative effort aimed at eliminating no-pet policies in rental housing will be amended to exempt smaller buildings, following advocacy by the California Apartment Association.

Assembly Bill 2216: Key Provisions and Amendments

Assemblyman Matt Haney’s Assembly Bill 2216 (AB 2216) initially proposed prohibiting landlords from rejecting tenants based on pet ownership. However, following discussions, the bill will now include a carve-out for buildings with 15 or fewer units, ensuring that owners of these smaller buildings won’t be mandated to accept pets.

Summary of Amendments:

  1. Exemption for Small Buildings: Properties with 15 or fewer units will not be required to accept pets.
  2. Pet Acceptance in Larger Buildings: Owners of larger buildings will be required to allow tenants to have at least one common household pet.
  3. Pet-Related Charges:

   -Liability Insurance: Property owners can require pet owners to carry liability insurance and include the landlord as an additional insured.

   – Pet Rent: No pet rent for the first pet; $50 per month for each additional pet.

   – Pet Deposit: A pet security deposit up to 50% of one month’s rent, capped at $1,000.

  1. Restricted Species: The bill focuses on “common household pets,” excluding unusual or exotic animals.
  2. Landlord Rules: Landlords can set specific standards and rules for pets, including leash requirements, cleanup policies, licensing, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering requirements.
  3. Implementation Date: The operative date is delayed to April 1, 2025.
  4. Use of Pet Deposits: Landlords can use pet deposits specifically for professional carpet cleaning.
  5. Impact on Existing Leases: The bill will not affect leases or renewals entered into before January 1, 2025.

Legislative Progress

This morning, AB 2216 won passage on the Assembly floor with a 43-8 vote. The state Senate will soon integrate the amendments.

Detailed Amendments Overview

Detailed Amendments Overview Table

Discover more about the evolving rental market regulations and how they impact your property management strategies. For professional property management services, trust Real Property Management Select. We offer tailored solutions to ensure stress-free management of your investment properties.

Can the Landlord Enter a Unit for an Inspection in Sacramento? Understanding California Law

Question: Are Semi-Annual General Inspections of the Unit Allowed with Proper Notice?

In Sacramento, California, the laws surrounding a landlord’s right to enter a rental unit are quite stringent. According to California Civil Code section 1954, the reasons a landlord may enter a rental unit are limited and specific. Notably, these reasons do not include conducting general inspections.

 

Legal Entry Reasons

California Civil Code section 1954 outlines the permissible reasons for a landlord to enter a rental unit, which typically include:

– To make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements

– To supply necessary or agreed services

– To exhibit the unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors

– When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises

– Pursuant to a court order

 

Specific Inspections Allowed

Certain laws do allow landlords to enter rental units for specific inspections, such as:

– Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspections:** As per Health and Safety Code sections 13113.7 and 17926.1, landlords are permitted to enter a unit to inspect and ensure the proper functioning of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

 

Tenant’s Rights

It’s important to note that a tenant’s right to exclude the landlord when there isn’t an allowed reason for entry cannot be waived in the lease. This means that even if a lease agreement suggests that a landlord can conduct general inspections, this clause would not be enforceable under California law.

 

Notice Requirements

When a landlord needs to enter a unit for any of the legally permissible reasons, they must provide the tenant with a 24-hour written notice. This notice must specify the reason for entry. For example, landlords in Sacramento can use the “Twenty-Four Hour Notice to Enter Dwelling Unit/Premises” form and check the appropriate reason(s) for entry.

 

Offering Inspections to Tenants

While general inspections are not allowed, landlords can offer tenants an inspection by using Form CA-193, known as the “Resident’s Request for Maintenance Review.” This form allows tenants to request maintenance or a review of specific issues within their unit.

Navigating the legalities of landlord entry into rental units can be complex. Understanding the specific regulations in Sacramento ensures that both landlords and tenants are aware of their rights and obligations. For landlords, adhering to these legal requirements helps maintain a positive and lawful rental relationship.

For stress-free property management and expert advice on landlord-tenant laws, contact us now!

California Rental Market Bucks National Trend with Declines in Major Cities

As rental prices across the United States continue to rise, with the national rent index for one and two-bedroom units increasing by 1.2% in May 2024, California’s largest cities are experiencing a different trend. According to a recent report by the rental platform Zumper, several major California cities have seen a decline in rental rates, despite the national upward trajectory.

According to the California Apartment Association, Zumper’s National Rent Report, which analyzes data from over one million active listings across 100 cities, reveals that seven out of eleven major California cities reported negative annual rent rates for one-bedroom units. Notably, most of these declining markets rank among the top 20% in terms of price and population.

The most significant drops in rental prices were observed in Oakland and Sacramento, where rates fell by 8-9% compared to the previous year. Other major cities, including Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, and Long Beach, also experienced declines, albeit to a lesser extent.

Interestingly, the report suggests that the primary driver behind the falling rental prices in California is not an increase in housing supply, but rather a decrease in demand. In recent years, the Bay Area and Los Angeles have witnessed substantial population outflows and job losses, which have not yet been fully recovered. Moreover, California recorded the highest unemployment rate among all states in April 2024.

The contrast between California’s rental market and the rest of the country is particularly striking when compared to cities like Syracuse, N.Y., and Columbus, Ohio, which saw the fastest-growing rents nationwide, with annual increases exceeding 20%. These cities’ growth has been attributed to factors such as population growth, expanding employment opportunities, and a higher demand for rental units.

 

 

Real Property Management Select specializes in offering tailored property management solutions to help landlords navigate the changing market dynamics. Whether you’re looking to adjust your rental rates or need advice on handling vacancies, our expert team is here to assist.