A slew of housing bills from California's 2023 legislative session have gone into effect this year, many of which are designed to ease burdens in the state's real estate market.
The new laws are set to impact Californian renters, landlords, and restaurant and bar owners. Here are the biggest laws that took effect on Jan. 1.
For Businesses
Under AB 1217, California will now allow businesses to include outdoor, patio, and al fresco dining areas until July 1, 2026.
Businesses in the state are required to update the signage on all single-user restrooms. The signages should now identify them as "all-gender toilet facilities," which means they will become available to all genders, according to AB 783.
Restaurants and bars are now allowed to sell alcoholic beverages inside the "entertainment zone" of outdoor festival areas. The bill also allows music venues to sell alcohol at private events not open to the general public, per SB 76.
Under AB 416, bars and restaurants allowed to sell beer and wine can offer Japanese shochu. However, the spirit must not exceed 24% of alcohol by volume.
For Landlords
San Francisco Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener proposed SB 423, which is designed to expand a law that speeds up the approval of apartment buildings where some units are set aside for California residents with lower incomes.
Sen. Wiener also introduced SB 4, which allows churches, religious institutions, and non-profit colleges to build affordable housing on their land.
Starting April 1, SB 567 will require property owners or their family members to move into the property within 90 days and live there for at least 12 months if they evicted a tenant for an owner move-in.
For Tenants
Tenants also do not need to save up to two months' rent for a security deposit. Under the new AB 12, landlords can only charge just one month's rent as a security deposit.
Under AB 1418, tenants can no longer be penalized or evicted from their apartment by the city or county if they interact with law enforcement or have a criminal conviction.
Renters can now cancel a hotel or Airbnb reservation, without penalty, within 24 hours after the reservation is confirmed under SB 644. However, this only applies if the place they are staying at is in California and if the reservation is made at least 72 hours before check-in.
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