Dwelling units: persons at risk of homelessness.

Assembly Members McKinnor and Rivas propose reinstating and expanding California's temporary occupancy program, which allows tenants to house individuals at risk of homelessness in their rental units with landlord approval. The legislation extends these provisions through January 1, 2031, while broadening eligibility to include people displaced by state-declared disasters.

Under the measure, tenants may permit temporary occupants and their pets to reside in rental units, subject to written landlord approval. Landlords can adjust rent during the occupancy period through written agreements with tenants, including additional charges for pets if authorized in the original lease. The bill maintains tenants' full liability for rent payments and requires them to ensure temporary occupants comply with lease terms. When temporary occupancy ends, rent reverts to the original amount plus any lawful increases unrelated to the additional occupant.

The legislation establishes specific procedures for ending temporary occupancy arrangements, requiring seven days' notice in most cases. However, occupancy can terminate immediately for criminal conduct or within 24 hours if addressing lease violations. Federal Section 8 and other federally funded low-income housing programs remain exempt from these provisions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage as an urgency measure, citing California's housing affordability challenges and natural disaster impacts.