CA SB1396

Requires landlords of assisted housing developments to offer tenants the option of having rental payments reported to consumer reporting agencies, beginning July 1, 2021.

Landlords may charge tenants who elect rent reporting a fee not to exceed the lesser of actual cost or $10 per month, and the fee nonpayment cannot be reported to credit agencies.

An independent evaluator selected through competitive process by March 1, 2024 shall conduct an evaluation of rental payment reporting impacts from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.

The evaluator's report, due January 1, 2025, must include estimated compliance percentage, number of participating tenants, impact on credit scores, participation barriers, and recommendations for process improvements.

Section sunsets July 1, 2025 unless extended by subsequent legislation; applies to landlords owning 15 or fewer units only if they own multiple assisted housing developments and are REITs, corporations, or certain LLCs.