SB 1017 is a California state law that covers several aspects related to tenant screening in the state. The law, which went into effect on July 1, 2020, includes the following provisions:

Reusable Tenant Screening Reports: SB 1017 requires tenant screening companies to provide tenants with the option of a reusable screening report that can be used for up to 30 days to apply to multiple rental properties. This aims to reduce the financial and time burden on tenants who need to apply for multiple rental properties.

Disclosure of Screening Criteria: The law requires landlords to provide potential tenants with a written notice that includes the criteria that will be used to evaluate their rental application. This aims to increase transparency in the rental application process and ensure that tenants are aware of the standards they will be held to.

Restriction on Criminal History Screening: SB 1017 also prohibits landlords from denying a rental application solely based on a person’s criminal history. This applies to criminal convictions that are older than two years, non-felony marijuana convictions that are older than two years, or arrests that did not result in a conviction.

Security Deposit Limits: Finally, the law sets limits on the amount of security deposits that landlords can collect from tenants. For unfurnished residential properties, landlords can collect up to two months’ rent, and for furnished residential properties, landlords can collect up to three months’ rent.

Overall, SB 1017 seeks to provide tenants with greater protection and transparency in the rental application process, while also limiting the financial burden that tenants face when applying for multiple rental properties.