Legislative Update - January 5, 2023

10% Rent Cap in Effect as Storms Trigger Emergency & Price Gouging Rules

Yesterday, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency due to winter storms. The statewide emergency is slated to be in effect through February 3, 2023. Price Gouging rules specific to rental housing are specifically included. Rent Increases and newly set rents will be limited to no more than 10% until the protections expire. Click here to visit the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services website and learn more about price gouging protections.

SCRHA will keep members updated as emergency declarations are often extended. Read the text of the proclamation here.

Rent Control Initiative Submitted to the Attorney General for Title & Summary

Just days before Christmas, petitioners submitted initiative language entitled "Justice for Renters Act" to begin the process of qualifying an initiative for statewide voter approval. The proposed language would repeal certain rental housing provider protections under the Costa-Hawkins Act, and nullify the State's ability to pre-empt local rent control. Specifically, the language bars the State from limiting the "right of any city, county, or city and county to maintain, enact, or expand residential rent control."

SCRHA and our statewide partner CalRHA are closely watching these developments to take necessary steps to protect housing providers. Click here to learn more.