Motels, hotels, and short-term lodging: disasters.

Assembly Members Gabriel and Rivas propose new protections for Californians displaced by disasters who seek temporary shelter in hotels, motels, and short-term lodgings. The legislation establishes that individuals staying in these accommodations due to disaster-related housing loss would not be classified as tenants under state law until reaching 270 consecutive days of occupancy.

The measure requires lodging operators to provide written notice to guests who stay beyond 30 days, explaining their legal status and rights. This notice must be delivered in physical or electronic form when guests make or extend their reservations. For stays exceeding 30 days, operators must provide 72 hours' notice before requiring a guest to vacate. Operators may request written confirmation from guests that their stay results from disaster-related displacement.

The provisions apply specifically to federally declared major disasters or state emergencies proclaimed by the Governor. The law would take effect immediately upon passage and remain active until January 1, 2031. The bill's urgency clause cites the need to address economic and social impacts of wildfires in Los Angeles County.