A long-term tenant in your Sacramento rental starts having trouble getting up the stairs. Their mobility has changed, and the upper-floor unit they once navigated easily is no longer safe.
When a ground-floor unit becomes available, you want to help, but traditional rules would allow a jump to market rent, putting the tenant in a financial bind.
Scenarios like this play out across California, creating tough decisions for both landlords and residents. AB 1620 was designed to address precisely these challenges, and understanding it is now essential for Sacramento property owners who want to stay compliant and reduce risk.
Key Takeaways
- AB 1620 allows qualified tenants with permanent mobility disabilities to move to an accessible unit without losing their existing rent or lease terms.
- The law applies only in jurisdictions with rent control that adopt local regulations implementing AB 1620.
- Landlords must engage in an interactive process and respond appropriately to relocation requests tied to disability needs.
- Non-compliance may lead to fair housing claims, legal penalties, and financial exposure.
What AB 1620 Does and Why It Matters
AB 1620 updates California’s rental laws by allowing cities with rent control to require landlords to let tenants with mobility disabilities move into a more accessible unit without raising the rent.
In the past, if a tenant needed to relocate within the same property, landlords could reset the rent to the market rate. For many disabled tenants, that made safer housing financially out of reach.
This new law fills that gap. When a qualified tenant needs an accessible unit, and one becomes available, local rent boards may require landlords to offer it at the same rental rate and terms the tenant already has. The intent is simple: prevent displacement and ensure disabled renters can live safely.
For Sacramento landlords, the law won’t apply until the city adopts its own rules. Property owners should watch for local updates to know when AB 1620 requirements officially take effect.
How AB 1620 Applies in Sacramento
Local Adoption Required
AB 1620 empowers rent-controlled jurisdictions to adopt the law, but it does not impose automatic statewide compliance. Sacramento’s applicability depends on whether the city implements corresponding regulations within its rental oversight framework.
Landlords should track announcements from local housing authorities, rent boards, or city legislative actions.
Property Eligibility
AB 1620 applies only to rental properties that are already covered by local rent control rules. The building also has to meet a few basic conditions. It must be a multi-unit property under the same ownership, and the unit the tenant wants to move into must be similar in size or smaller than the one they currently occupy.
Most importantly, the new unit must be on an accessible floor. In simple terms, that means a level that the tenant can reach without using stairs. This is especially important in buildings without elevators, where stairs may be the only way to access upper levels.
Tenant Qualification
To qualify under AB 1620, a tenant must meet these key requirements:
- They have a permanent disability that affects mobility.
- They are current on rent and not facing a lawful eviction.
- They submit a written request asking to move to an accessible unit.
- They show that the move is necessary because of their disability.
When these conditions are met, landlords must follow a structured review process rather than applying standard vacancy rules. This ensures the request is handled fairly and in compliance with the law.
Landlord Responsibilities and Required Procedures
Engaging in the Interactive Process
Similar to other disability accommodation laws, AB 1620 requires landlords to participate in an interactive process. This means responding to the tenant’s request promptly, seeking only the documentation necessary to verify disability-related needs, and evaluating whether the requested move is reasonable.
Preserving Rent and Lease Terms
If a tenant qualifies, the landlord must let them move into the accessible unit at the same rent they currently pay. Most lease terms carry over as well, unless a specific condition makes that impossible. This rule marks a significant change from past practices, but it is essential to the law’s goal of preventing rent spikes for disabled tenants.
Handling Deposits and Turnover
Security deposits must follow California’s standard deposit rules. Landlords can deduct lawful charges from the original unit and may collect a new deposit for the replacement unit. The process should be treated like a regular move-out and move-in, with clear documentation to prevent misunderstandings or disputes.
Exceptions and Limitations
A few exceptions protect landlords from unreasonable demands. Owners do not have to offer the unit if they or an eligible family member plan to live in it. The unit must also be habitable and truly available. Landlords are not required to remodel or upgrade a unit to create accessibility that is not already in place.
Practical Impacts for Sacramento Landlords
Operational Adjustments
Landlords should update their accommodation policies and ensure staff understand the new requirements. Clear documentation at every step is essential to prevent disputes and ensure the law is applied consistently across all tenant requests.
Financial Considerations
Allowing a long-time tenant to move into an accessible unit at their current rent can affect projected income, especially when market rents are much higher. Some cities may offer ways to help owners maintain a fair return, so landlords should stay informed about local policy updates and available options.
Legal Risk Management
Failing to respond appropriately to these requests can lead to fair housing complaints or legal action, and the penalties can be substantial. Staying compliant, documenting each step, and seeking legal guidance when needed helps protect landlords from unnecessary risk and costly disputes.
FAQ
Does AB 1620 apply to all Sacramento rentals?
No. It only applies to rent-controlled properties in jurisdictions that have formally adopted the law’s provisions.
Can a tenant choose any unit in the building?
No. The unit must be on an accessible floor and must be comparable or smaller than the tenant’s current unit.
Does the tenant keep their current rent?
Yes, if they qualify under AB 1620 and the jurisdiction has adopted the law, their existing rent and lease terms carry over.
Can a landlord deny the request?
A landlord may deny the request only when legally valid reasons apply, such as owner-occupancy plans or the tenant's failure to meet eligibility criteria. Failure to follow proper procedures may expose the landlord to fair housing liability.
A Smarter Path Forward for Sacramento Landlords
AB 1620 introduces a more transparent and fairer process to help mobility-disabled tenants access safer housing without creating unnecessary hardship for property owners. The law narrows vacancy decontrol in specific situations, but it also offers much-needed guidance to help landlords handle these requests confidently and legally.
Sacramento owners who understand the rules and prepare early will be better positioned to avoid disputes, meet fair housing standards, and maintain stable, compliant operations.
For expert support, partner with JTS Property Management. Our team can help you interpret AB 1620, streamline your procedures, and protect your Sacramento rental investments with proven, professional guidance. Contact us today!
Additional Resources
Fair Oaks Eviction Laws Explained: What Landlords Need to Know
How to Handle Tenant Noise Complaints and Improve Rental Harmony
