(IMAGN) Joseph Lippolis, associate broker at River Towns Real Estate in Croton, at one of the homes that he owns and rents out Feb. 3, 2025. Lippolis spoke about how the Good Cause Eviction Law that the village of Croton-on-Hudson recently passed will impact rent increases that landlords need to make.
California – Starting next month, California renters will see relief from certain fees under a new state law. Senate Bill 611, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last fall, prohibits landlords and leasing agents from charging tenants fees for specific actions.
Effective April 1, landlords can no longer charge fees for:
- “Serving, posting or otherwise delivering any notice” regarding lease termination.
- Paying rent or security deposits by check.
Additionally, the law limits security deposits to one month’s rent, with exceptions requiring written explanations, especially for military service members. If a higher deposit is charged to a service member due to credit or housing history, the landlord must provide a written explanation. If the service member makes all rental payments, the additional amount must be refunded within six months.
SB 611 is part of a package of new laws designed to enhance tenant rights and transparency. Another key law, Assembly Bill 2801, mandates that landlords take photos of rental units before and after tenancy to document damage claims against security deposits. Landlords can still charge for extensive repairs, but not for “ordinary wear and tear,” which includes minor issues like small nail holes, faded paint, or scuffed floors.
AB 2801 also refines the rules for security deposit deductions, limiting them to “an amount necessary” for repairs. Furthermore, a new law taking effect on April 1st grants tenants the option to have positive rental payment information reported to credit agencies.
