Bill > SB681

This bill addresses multiple aspects of housing policy in California, with provisions aimed at reducing housing costs, streamlining development processes, and protecting renters. The bill makes significant changes across various areas of housing law, including rental fees, housing development approvals, mortgage servicing, and tax credits for renters. Here's a summary of key provisions: This bill prohibits landlords from charging various fees to tenants, including processing fees, pet fees, and late fees exceeding 2% of monthly rent. It limits total additional fees to 5% of monthly rent and provides penalties for landlords who charge unauthorized fees. The bill modifies rules for housing development projects, making it easier to approve housing by reducing the number of hearings required and preventing local agencies from imposing excessive conditions on housing projects. It introduces a "builder's remedy" provision that allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions if a jurisdiction lacks a compliant housing element. The bill extends several existing housing-related laws indefinitely, including provisions of the Housing Accountability Act. It also creates new requirements for mortgage servicers, such as preventing foreclosure if the servicer hasn't communicated with the borrower for three years. Additionally, the bill increases the renter's tax credit for certain income levels, offering $250 or $500 depending on whether the renter has dependents. The legislation aims to address California's housing affordability crisis by removing barriers to housing development, protecting renters from excessive fees, and providing financial relief to low and moderate-income households.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB681