Come Jan. 1, 2018, numerous laws relevant to the rental housing industry will take effect in California. In the paragraphs below, we summarize the most significant of these laws for the state’s rental property owners and managers. IMMIGRATION STATUS Targeting discrimination: Under AB 291, dubbed the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, a landlord could face civil penalties if he or she attempts to influence a tenant to vacate the  dwelling unit or attempts to recover possession of the dwelling unit based on the individual’s immigration status.