Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that gives tenants in California double the time to respond to eviction notices, increasing the timeframe from 5 to 10 business days. The new law, Assembly Bill 2347, aims to help renters who face challenges in accessing legal help or live in rural areas. Tenant advocates argue that the previous 5-day window was too short for tenants to navigate complex legal requirements and seek help.
While the California Apartment Association did not formally oppose the bill, some local landlord groups have expressed concerns about the increased costs associated with delayed evictions. However, tenant activists believe that providing tenants with more time to respond will prevent unjust evictions and give them a fighting chance to address issues before facing court judgments.
The bill, sponsored by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, is set to take effect on January 1 and has received mixed reactions from stakeholders in the housing sector. The new law also shortens the timeframe for lawyers to file certain motions relating to a landlord’s complaint.
Overall, advocates for tenant rights view the new law as a step in the right direction to protect vulnerable renters in California, especially in the midst of a housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles explore additional tenant protections, the conversation around eviction procedures and tenant rights continues to evolve across the state.
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Photo credit calmatters.org
