New laws help builders, tenants Contractors get right to repair; landlords must wait 60 days to evict
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If you were to purchase a home in Pulte Homes’ Birchwood Park subdivision in Livermore on Monday, you’d walk away from the sales office with reams of contracts, warranties and disclosures. If you waited 24 hours (or until Thursday, as is more likely), you could be loaded down by an extra 300 sheaves, thanks to a new law that takes effect on Wednesday. SB800 is better known as the right-to-repair law because it mandates that builders be given the opportunity to fix a leaky roof or off-kilter cabinet in a new home before a homeowner files a lawsuit. Now, there is no right to repair; the homeowner could file suit immediately. (Another provision requires that a copy of SB800 be given to the buyer at the point of sale, hence the paper avalanche. Pulte said it hopes to shrink the documents to fit on 40 to 60 double-sided pages. The law’s goals are manifold. In addition to reducing the number of construction-defect lawsuits filed, its supporters hope SB800 will lure insurers - many of whom have fled the California market claiming pricey payouts for mold damage - back to writing policies. It also represents a victory for the building industry, which has been pushing for a right-to- repair law for years. But trial lawyers say the bill may not change the status quo. SB800 is just one of dozens of new state laws taking effect on New Year’s Day that alter housing regulations, including construction, land use, mobile homes and landlord-tenant relations. More : sfgate.com |