Housing omnibus.

The California Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development proposes comprehensive amendments to state housing laws, focusing on tenant protections, affordable housing preservation, and local government accountability. The legislation modifies notice requirements for assisted housing developments, strengthens tenant rights during property transitions, and refines affordable rent calculations.

The bill enhances tenant notification protocols by requiring owners of assisted housing developments to provide detailed notices when rental restrictions expire or subsidies terminate. Property owners must now maintain posted notices until such changes take effect and promptly notify tenants and public entities when properties enter default. These notices must include information about potential impacts on rent and eviction protections, along with resources for legal assistance.

For rental housing developments dedicating at least 80% of units to lower-income households, the legislation aligns maximum rent levels with California Tax Credit Allocation Committee standards. This applies to projects receiving specified funding after January 1, 2025, including tax credits, bonds, or other government assistance.

The amendments also clarify site identification requirements for permanent farmworker housing development. The Department of Housing and Community Development must coordinate with other state agencies to evaluate excess sites near existing migrant farm labor centers, prioritizing areas with the greatest demonstrated need for permanent farmworker housing.

Local agencies face strengthened accountability measures for housing development approvals, with specific criteria for project denials and potential penalties for non-compliance. The legislation maintains existing tenant protections while adding new enforcement mechanisms and reporting requirements to monitor implementation effectiveness.