California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB880

Introduced
1/12/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Refer
3/25/26  
Refer
4/8/26  
Report Pass
4/29/26  
Engrossed
5/7/26  
Report Pass
4/29/26  
Refer
5/18/26  
Engrossed
5/7/26  

Caption

Residential property: contract: fees.

Impact

The intent behind SB880 is to alleviate potential financial burdens on buyers in the housing market, which is currently experiencing significant challenges related to affordability and accessibility. The bill's introduction suggests a legislative push to regulate the housing market more strictly, possibly as part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that housing remains affordable for all Californians. Additionally, the bill expresses legislative intent to enact a moratorium on housing purchases, which indicates a significant shift in policy aimed at addressing housing shortages and market pressures.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 880, introduced by Senator Wahab, aims to amend the Civil Code in California by expanding the restrictions on fees charged by vendors or lessors of residential properties. This bill specifically prohibits any vendor or lessor from exacting fees in excess of $10 for actions associated with the signing and delivering of real estate documents regarding the transfer, cancellation, or reconveyance of title. Previously, this limitation applied only to single-family residential properties; SB880 extends this limitation to all residential properties, thereby broadening its scope.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB880 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the bill are likely to view this as a positive move towards enhancing consumer protections in the real estate market and ensuring that necessary transactions do not involve excessive fees. Conversely, critics may argue that such limitations could disincentivize property management entities from renting or selling properties in California, potentially exacerbating the housing crisis by reducing available housing options.

Contention

Key points of contention around SB880 may stem from concerns regarding property rights and the ability of lessors to operate sustainably in a heavily regulated environment. Stakeholders in the real estate sector may argue that the proposed fee limitations could negatively affect their business operations and revenue streams. Moreover, the broad application of the moratorium on housing purchases could raise questions about the balance between regulatory efforts and the free market, with stakeholders advocating for different approaches to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB402

Residential property owners; insurance policies, roofing services by contractors.

CA HB677

Residential property owners; insurance policies, roofing services by contractors.

CA H4748

Residential contractors and residential specialty contractors

CA HB1308

Concerning Unfair Practices Related To Residential Real Estate Repair Contracts; And To Regulate Soliciting Residential Contractors And Tree Contractors.

CA HB13

Real Property - Residential Contracts of Sale - Buyer Privacy Rights

CA SB531

Postloss assignment of rights or benefits under property insurance policies to residential contractors and providing a penalty. (FE)

CA AB473

Postloss assignment of rights or benefits under property insurance policies to residential contractors and providing a penalty. (FE)

CA SB318

Contracts; certain agreements involving parallel pricing coordination as unenforceable contracts in general restraint of trade with respect to residential rental properties; prohibit

CA SB1524

Residential contractors' recovery fund; cap

CA HB1415

Optional Residential Construction Contractor Certification

Similar Bills

NJ A4951

Exempts transfers of residential real property between family members from inheritance tax.

NJ S985

Exempts transfers of residential real property between family members from inheritance tax.

TX HB4063

Relating to the filing and release of record of a unilateral memorandum of contract concerning residential property.

LA HB468

Provides with respect to the wholesale of residential real properties

LA HB1166

Requires property disclosures for vacant residential property

OR HB4029

Relating to solar energy systems; and prescribing an effective date.

NJ A4278

Establishes licensure requirement for wholesale transactions in real estate and certain rights of consumers in contracts for real property sold in wholesale transaction.

MO SB973

Creates and modifies provisions relating to real estate transactions