BACKGROUND

On March 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1696 requiring owners to provide a copy of notices required by the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 to the City of Laguna Beach. 

OVERVIEW 

The ordinance includes the following provisions:

1. Effective April 12, 2024.
2. Landlords or property owners must submit a copy of a tenancy termination notice to the City within three days.
3. These notices will become a publicly searchable record on the City of Laguna Beach's website.  

KEY PROVISIONS 

2. Consequences for Non-Compliance: Failure to submit the required notice will serve as an affirmative defense in unlawful detainer actions and may result in the City withholding building permit inspections for substantial remodels. This measure is intended to enforce compliance and protect tenant rights. 

3. Tenant Access to Information: Tenants can use the Tenancy Termination Notice portal to verify that their property owner or landlord has submitted the necessary eviction notice. This portal provides tenants with the assurance that their eviction process is being monitored for legal compliance.

4. Demolition and Substantial Remodels: Property owners must provide detailed information to tenants regarding any intended demolitions or substantial remodels. This includes the scope of work, estimated duration, and relevant permits or contracts. Such transparency helps tenants understand their rights and the timeline of any significant property changes.

"With this ordinance, we are taking a decisive step toward greater fairness and transparency in our housing practices," said Mayor Sue Kempf. "Our goal is to uphold the rights of tenants while ensuring that property owners adhere to clear and consistent standards. This ordinance reflects our commitment to creating a balanced and just community for all Laguna Beach residents."

"This ordinance adds important safeguards protecting the rights of tenants and ensuring transparency in the eviction process," said Councilmember Bob Whalen, who spearheaded the effort. "By requiring timely submission of eviction notices and providing tenants with access to critical information, we are fostering a more equitable and accountable housing environment in Laguna Beach. Our community deserves to be informed and supported, and this ordinance is a crucial step in that direction."

LEGISLATION

The City's ordinance supplements the provisions Assembly Bill (AB) 1482 - the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 - and Senate Bill (SB) 567 - the Homeless Prevention Act of 2023.  

UPCOMING COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ON ORDINANCE

An upcoming community workshop will be held in-person on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, to provide an overview of the new ordinance with the community.

If you're going:

What: Community Workshop on Tenancy Termination Ordinance

When:  Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

Where: City Council Chambers - 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach

For more information on the Ordinance, please contact Jennifer Savage, Housing Program Coordinator, at (949) 715-1141 or jsavage@lagunabeachcity.net.