California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 34077

(a) For the purposes of this section, “the act” means Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, as approved on July 22, 1987, cited as Public Law 100-77 and provided for in H.R. 558, and regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any guideline adopted pursuant to this chapter, an eligible recipient who receives funds pursuant to this chapter, or who has an outstanding obligation to provide shelter services as a result of previously receiving funds under the act may charge rent for transitional housing not in excess of the amount allowed by the act. However, any proceeds collected from residents of a shelter pursuant to this subdivision shall be maintained and accounted for in a separate account and shall be utilized, to the extent necessary, to pay for any security deposit imposed pursuant to Section 1950.5 of the Civil Code on any resident leaving the shelter and renting a permanent dwelling.

(c) An eligible recipient who receives funds pursuant to this chapter, or who has an outstanding obligation to provide shelter services as a result of previously receiving funds pursuant to this chapter, shall not deny shelter to any person or family because of that person's or family's inability to pay rent or any portion thereof.