What “reasonable” costs look like
When temporary housing costs are recoverable, the amount generally reflects your reasonable, actual expenses tied to the displacement — not unlimited spending. The goal is to cover what you reasonably had to pay because your home became unlivable.
Recoverable costs can include reasonable hotel or temporary rental charges for the period you were displaced, and sometimes related expenses like extra costs directly caused by the move. What counts as "reasonable" depends on the situation — modest, necessary lodging is easier to recover than luxury accommodations far beyond what the circumstances required.
The specific amount also depends on how long you were displaced, what caused it, who was responsible, and any local relocation rules or insurance coverage that apply. Some local ordinances set defined relocation payments in certain situations, while other recoveries are based on your documented actual losses.
This is exactly why keeping receipts and records is so important. If you were displaced from your home and had to pay for temporary housing, a free, confidential review can help you understand what costs may be recoverable in your situation and the best way to pursue them.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.