California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy.
The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule. Some cities and counties in the Golden State have exceptions to renter-protection laws that allow landlords to evict tenants while making renovations.
Another law that limits rent increases at lease renewal may come into play if owners look to recoup the cost of renovations through rent increases. That law does not apply to properties built within the past 15 years.
The state has set aside funds for many more energy retrofits, including $622 million for homes in low-income communities. But the legislation enabling this work has not addressed the possibility of evictions, according to the report.
Nearly 80% of California’s low-income renters spend more than half their income on rent, the report says. Renovations to decarbonize buildings could cause rent increases that low-income households cannot afford or could temporarily force tenants to vacate buildings, which could trigger more evictions, the report says.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Jun 25, 2024
New York mayor releases multi-year plan to address affordable housing crisis
The plan seeks to create and preserve affordable housing. It will incentivize the inclusion of permanently affordable and rent stabilized housing in new, multi-family construction projects.
Student Housing | Jun 25, 2024
P3 student housing project with 176 units slated for Purdue University Fort Wayne
A public/private partnership will fund a four-story, 213,000 sf apartment complex on Purdue University Fort Wayne’s (PFW’s) North Campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The P3 entity was formed exclusively for this property.
MFPRO+ News | Jun 24, 2024
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ movement could create more affordable housing
The so-called “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) movement, where houses of worship convert their properties to housing, could help alleviate the serious housing crisis affecting many communities around the country.
MFPRO+ News | Jun 20, 2024
National multifamily outlook: Summer 2024
The multifamily sector continues to be strong in 2024, even when a handful of challenges are present. That is according to the Matrix Multifamily National Report for Summer 2024.
Sponsored | MFPRO+ News | Jun 20, 2024
Unlocking the Future: Modernizing Access Control in Multifamily Housing
Explore how advanced access control systems are transforming multifamily housing. Learn about Salto’s DBolt Touch and Homelok platforms, designed to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve resident satisfaction with keyless, mobile-ready solutions.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 17, 2024
Elevating multifamily properties through quiet luxury
As the demands of urban living continue to evolve, the need for a tranquil and refined home environment has never been more pronounced.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2024
AEC inspections are the key to financially viable office to residential adaptive reuse projects
About a year ago our industry was abuzz with an idea that seemed like a one-shot miracle cure for both the shockingly high rate of office vacancies and the worsening housing shortage. The seemingly simple idea of converting empty office buildings to multifamily residential seemed like an easy and elegant solution. However, in the intervening months we’ve seen only a handful of these conversions, despite near universal enthusiasm for the concept.
Senior Living Design | Jun 13, 2024
Crystal Pacific Windows bring sunshine to senior living community
Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems, the West Coast production affiliate of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently supplied over 400 energy efficient vinyl windows for a new affordable housing community in San Diego, Calif.
Affordable Housing | Jun 12, 2024
Studio Libeskind designs 190 affordable housing apartments for seniors
In Brooklyn, New York, the recently opened Atrium at Sumner offers 132,418 sf of affordable housing for seniors. The $132 million project includes 190 apartments—132 of them available to senior households earning below or at 50% of the area median income and 57 units available to formerly homeless seniors.
