CA AB1218

Expands protections against demolition of residential units in affected cities and counties by prohibiting approval of development projects that demolish occupied or vacant protected units, or are located on sites where protected units were demolished in the previous 5 years, unless replacement requirements are met.

Requires replacement of all existing protected units and those demolished on or after January 1, 2020, with replacement housing developed prior to or concurrently with non-housing development projects within the same jurisdiction.

Mandates developers provide existing lower-income occupants of protected units with relocation benefits equivalent to those required for public entities and a right of first refusal for comparable replacement units at affordable rates.

Requires existing occupants to receive written notice at least 6 months in advance and permits occupancy until 6 months before construction starts; occupants may return at prior rental rates if demolition does not proceed.

Removes requirements for the Department of Housing and Community Development to notify jurisdictions and the Attorney General of violations related to housing development project demolition prohibitions.