SACRAMENTO — In a significant move to support renters amidst a statewide housing crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that doubles the response time for tenants facing eviction notices, increasing it from five to ten business days. This change, part of Assembly Bill 2347, aims to assist renters who may struggle to navigate the legal complexities of eviction proceedings.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The law comes at a critical time, as California grapples with a surge in evictions following the expiration of pandemic-era protections. Tenant advocates highlight that many individuals live in areas where legal assistance is scarce or face personal circumstances that make adhering to the previous timeline challenging. Lorraine López, a senior attorney with the Western Center on Law and Poverty, explained, “If you think about folks who are living in legal aid deserts, it may take them the entire five days just to get in the door and get that help.”
Under existing law, landlords must serve a formal notice, known as an unlawful detainer, to initiate eviction proceedings. Failure by tenants to respond in writing within five business days can result in a default judgment against them. The new law, effective January 1, 2025, seeks to mitigate the distress experienced by renters who often require additional time to seek legal counsel.