SB 52

Bill Subjects

Housing Rental Rates And Occupancy Levels Algorithmic Devices

Abstract

Existing law governs the hiring of residential dwelling units and requires a landlord to provide specified notice to tenants prior to an increase in rent. Existing law, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, prescribes statewide limits on the application of local rent control with regard to certain properties. That act, among other things, authorizes an owner of residential real property to establish the initial and all subsequent rental rates for a dwelling or unit that meets specified criteria, subject to certain limitations. This bill would make it unlawful for any person to sell, license, or otherwise provide to a landlord an algorithmic device, as defined, that advises on rental rates or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units, and would also make it unlawful for a landlord to use an algorithmic device to set rental rates or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units. The bill would authorize the Attorney General, and the city attorney or county counsel in the jurisdiction in which the rental unit is located, to file a civil action for a violation of the bill, as specified, and would authorize a tenant to file a civil action for a violation of the bill by a landlord, as specified.