CA SB395

Beginning January 1, 2025, landlords must file copies of notices of termination or rent increase with the Secretary of State's office within 10 days of serving notice on tenants, with one notice per dwelling unit.

Notices of termination must include the rental unit address, property owner name, and alleged reason for termination; notices of rent increase must include the address, owner name, current rental amount, new rental amount, and percentage increase.

Failure to file required notices with the Secretary of State constitutes an affirmative defense to unlawful detainer lawsuits.

By January 1, 2025, the Secretary of State must create and maintain the publicly searchable Statewide Rental Reporting Database, retaining notices for at least two years and displaying termination notice volumes by ZIP code and rental increase rates by address.

Cities, counties, or city and counties may serve as local filing recipients for notices, which must then share data with the Secretary of State's office; state law provisions supersede conflicting local laws unless local law provides greater tenant protections.