California legislators passed a bill that limits rent increases across the state to 5% plus inflation on apartments built at least 15 years ago.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law. The measure includes exemptions for owners who live with their tenants, and owners who live in one part of a duplex and rent out the other unit. Landlords will be allowed to raise rents to market rates when a tenant moves out.
The measure will have little impact on large cities such as Oakland and San Francisco, which already have rent restrictions, but it is expected to significantly affect places like the wealthy suburbs of the Bay Area. The law also includes eviction restrictions. Landlords will be prohibited from kicking out renters who follow the rules of their lease unless the owner is moving in, tearing down the residence, renovating it, or taking it off the rental market.
The California Association of Realtors and most of the state’s Republican lawmakers opposed the bill, saying it would decrease the value of rental properties and deter developers from building more housing. Democrats and renter advocacy groups said the measure is necessary to stem a serious homelessness crisis and help families anticipate rent increases.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2020
Dramatic demographic shifts poised to alter global workplace
By 2030, Millennials and Generation Z will dominate workforce.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2020
Half of Manhattan’s new residential skyscrapers are empty
Excess comes as middle class housing shortage worsens.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2020
Potential energy savings from smart meters is largely unrealized
Most utilities underuse the technology that can help customers save money.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2020
Contractors pay practices reviewed in new database
Fastest and slowest paying GCs revealed.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2020
Several states with ambitious climate goals will have to restrict natural gas as a fuel
Buildings would have to heat and cook with electricity.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2020
New solar-ready mandate affects commercial and residential buildings in St. Louis
All new buildings must have reserved rooftop sections for PVs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2020
Trump Administration blocks new light bulb efficiency standards
Move defies bipartisan 2007 law.