It’s a new year and that means new legislation in California. In this week’s Politifact segment, reporter Chris Nichols delves into news laws relating to housing.

Senate Bill 329 takes effect this month and prohibits landlords from rejecting tenants based solely on their use of housing vouchers when applying. More than 300,000 Californians rely on this benefit, providing rental assistance to low-income residents. To qualify, a household must have an income of less than 80% of an area’s median income. 

Several new laws also take effect this month making it easier for Californians to build granny flats, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property.

The bills add to recent efforts by lawmakers to promote these small structures, offering a living space for extended family or renters and can be attached or separate from a property’s main residence.

Senate Bill 50 relaunched on Tuesday of this week, with changes delaying the dramatic increase in high-density home building near job and transit centers promised by the legislation, for two years. The amendments would also allow local governments to craft their own plans for boosting housing density, as long as they meet the goals of the bill.

Guests

• PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols