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SB 21

Single-room occupancy units: demolition and replacement: housing assistance programs: eligibility for homeless individuals and families.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Blakespear and 2 co-sponsors

SB 21 protects single-room occupancy units by requiring their replacement when demolished, ensuring affordable housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 511, Statutes of 2025.
#single-roomoccupancyunits #demolitionandreplacement #eligibilityforhomelessindividualsandfamilies #housingassistanceprograms
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Bill Summary · SB 21

Summary of SB 21: Single-Room Occupancy Units and Housing Assistance

Bill Number: SB 21
Introduced: December 2, 2024
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 511, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Senator Durazo
Subject: Single-room occupancy units, demolition and replacement, eligibility for homeless individuals and families, housing assistance programs.

Purpose and Intent

SB 21 aims to address the housing crisis in California by enhancing protections for single-room occupancy (SRO) units and improving housing assistance programs for homeless individuals and families. The bill modifies existing laws to ensure that when SRO units are demolished or replaced, adequate measures are taken to maintain affordable housing availability.

Key Provisions

  1. Replacement of Protected Units:

    • The bill mandates that any housing development project requiring the demolition of occupied or vacant protected units must replace all existing protected units. This includes units demolished on or after January 1, 2020.
    • The replacement units must meet specific affordability criteria, including provisions for acutely low-income households.

  2. Reduction of Replacement Units:

    • In cases where existing SRO buildings are rehabilitated or replaced, affected cities or counties may reduce the number of required replacement units if:
      • The reduction is necessary to facilitate the conversion of SRO units.
      • The converted units will be offered as rental units at affordable rates.

  3. Eligibility for Housing Assistance:

    • The bill specifies criteria for determining homelessness, allowing individuals displaced from SRO units to qualify for housing assistance without needing a referral from a coordinated entry system.
    • This provision aims to streamline access to housing for homeless individuals and families.

  4. Market Study for Replacement Housing:

    • Borrowers are permitted to conduct market studies to support the proposed sizes of units in the replacement housing plan, ensuring that the new units meet community needs.

  5. Legislative Intent:

    • The bill clarifies that it does not preempt or invalidate local laws that provide greater protections for SRO tenants or require more replacement housing.

Impact

  • Affected Populations: The bill primarily impacts low-income and homeless individuals and families, particularly those living in SRO units. It aims to provide them with better housing security and access to affordable housing options.
  • Local Governments: Cities and counties will have to adjust their housing development approvals to comply with the new requirements regarding the demolition and replacement of SRO units.
  • Housing Development Projects: Developers will need to consider the new provisions when planning projects that involve the demolition of protected units, potentially affecting project timelines and costs.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 10, 2025, and is now part of California law. It underwent several amendments and discussions in various legislative committees before being finalized.

This legislation represents a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in California by ensuring that vulnerable populations are not displaced without adequate housing alternatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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