Governor Newsom Signs Innovative Legislation to Protect Californians at Risk of Homelessness
New law is based on research from Dr. Margot Kushel and will encourage landlords and tenants to open their homes and help those most in need remain sheltered
SACRAMENTO — Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 1188, an innovative measure by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-San Fernando Valley) that will empower landlords and tenants to provide temporary shelter to individuals at risk of homelessness. Most significantly, AB 1188 makes it easier for tenants to enter into an agreement with their landlord allowing them to temporarily house a friend or family member in need, and creates a new legal framework that will incentivize both landlords and tenants to assist persons at risk of homelessness.
AB 1188 is based on research and recommendations from Dr. Margot Kushel, a leading researcher at UC San Francisco, who has identified temporary housing with family or friends as a critical and underutilized tool in homelessness prevention, especially for vulnerable seniors. Dr. Kushel recently received a $30 million grant from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff to conduct further research on evidence-based solutions—such as those provided in this bill—that will help to prevent and end homelessness.
“Experts have told us repeatedly that keeping more folks from slipping into homelessness is the most important step we can take to address the current crisis,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “AB 1188 will remove legal barriers and provide tenants with greater flexibility to assist friends or loved ones in a time of desperate need. Keeping folks sheltered will save lives and taxpayer resources and give the most vulnerable Californians an opportunity to regroup while searching for more stable housing.”