Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an information bulletin today to city attorneys and county counsel, emphasizing new state law requirements for inspecting apartments and other multi-family properties. Assembly Bill 548 (AB 548), authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) and signed into law in 2023, mandates local enforcement agencies to develop policies and procedures by January 1, 2025. These policies require comprehensive inspections when substandard conditions or violations of State Housing Law are found in one unit that could affect other units within the building.

City attorneys and county counsel play a crucial role in advising building inspectors and local code enforcement officials to protect tenants and property owners.

“The real-world implications of AB 548 are significant: unsafe housing conditions — like mold, pests, and lead hazards — will be more quickly and comprehensively addressed in apartments and other multi-family properties,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge city attorneys and county counsel to ensure that these policies and procedures are implemented expeditiously, particularly in light of the state’s ongoing affordable housing shortage. The displacement of families can be devastating, and faithful implementation of AB 548 will keep people in their homes by incentivizing proactive maintenance.”

"Healthy and affordable housing conditions for renters are essential to solving our housing crisis and reducing the disproportionate exposure to unhealthy housing conditions in low-income communities and communities of color," said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. "I want to thank the Attorney General for urging our local enforcement agencies to catch these problems, which often go unreported, before they become serious health hazards."

The bulletin highlights that AB 548 builds on recent state legislation regarding city and county responses to complaints about unsafe or substandard housing conditions. Since July 2022, state law has required local enforcement agencies to inspect interiors of units following resident complaints within the same timeframe as final inspections for construction work necessitating permits.

Tenants forced to vacate substandard units are generally eligible for relocation benefits unless they substantially contributed to the conditions necessitating the order or if the conditions were caused by natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, or floods. Enforcement agencies determine eligibility for relocation benefits and communicate this determination to both tenants and owners.

Cities and counties are encouraged to consult with their jurisdiction’s legal counsel regarding statutory requirements' implementation. For further information or discussions on tenant-protection matters of statewide concern, contact housing@doj.ca.gov.

A copy of the information bulletin is available here.