(a) In the event any structure which is rented or occupied for habitable dwelling purposes
is determined to be a public nuisance and abated by the city due to unsafe or hazardous
living conditions under the provisions of Titles 1 or 5 of the Costa Mesa Municipal
Code, or due to illegal use or occupancy of the structure for habitable dwelling purposes,
any tenant evicted as a result of such abatement, or notice of such abatement, who
is not then in arrears or default of rent, and who has not caused or substantially
contributed to the condition giving rise to the abatement, shall be entitled to receive
from the property owner relocation assistance upon vacating the structure. For purposes
of this section, relocation assistance shall consist of two months' rent and refund
of any security deposit pursuant to Civil Code Section 1950.5, or other arrangements
agreeable to the tenant as evidenced by a written agreement between the tenant and
the property owner.
(b) If the property owner is required to evict the tenants with less than thirty (30)
days' notice due to the condition of the structure, the owner shall provide the tenant
with alternate, safe and legal housing for thirty (30) days after notice of eviction.
This requirement for alternate housing shall be in addition to relocation assistance
provided for in subdivision (a) of this section.
