Article 2.5 - Tenant Relocation Assistance

California Health and Safety Code — §§ 17975-17975.10

Sections (3)

Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 487, Sec. 3. (SB 1465) Effective January 1, 2025.

(a)Any tenant who is displaced or subject to displacement from a residential rental unit as a result of an order to vacate or an order requiring the vacation of a residential unit by a local enforcement agency as a result of a violation so extensive and of such a nature that the immediate health and safety of the residents is endangered, shall be entitled to receive relocation benefits from the owner as specified in this article. The local enforcement agency shall determine the eligibility of tenants for benefits pursuant to this article.

(b)For purposes of this section, “residential rental unit” includes a unit rented by a tenant for human

habitation, regardless of the zoning designation or approved uses of the building, that is located in a building or portion thereof that is deemed or found to be a substandard building.

§ 17975.1

Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 473, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.

(a)The relocation benefits required by this article shall be paid by the owner or designated agent to the tenant within 10 days after the date that the order to vacate is first mailed to the owner and posted on the premises, or at least 20 days prior to the vacation date set forth in the order to vacate, whichever occurs later.

(b)If there are fewer than 10 days between the first posting and mailing of the order to vacate and the vacation date, the relocation benefits shall be paid by the owner or designated agent to the tenant within 24 hours after the notice is posted and mailed. The local enforcement agency shall attempt to provide telephonic or written notice to the owner to notify the owner that the benefits are payable immediately. Failure to provide the notice as specified in this section shall not relieve the owner of any obligations imposed by this article.

(c)If a tenant is entitled to relocation benefits pursuant to Section 17975, the local enforcement agency shall provide either telephonic or written notice to the tenant of his or her entitlement to the benefits. Written notice may be satisfied by posting a written notice on the premises stating that tenants may be entitled to relocation benefits.

§ 17975.10

Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 473, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.

When seeking reimbursement under an optional local program intended to advance relocation payments to displaced tenants when the owner fails, neglects, or refuses to pay relocation payments to displaced tenants pursuant to the provisions of this article, the local code enforcement agency shall first explore the potential of using funds from any available federally funded program that provides tenant relocation assistance in cases of local code enforcement activities.