Legislative Update - March 14, 2024

Oceanside Tenant Protection Discussion Rescheduled to April 10
Due to staff illness, the decision was made to continue the Tenant Protection discussion to Wednesday, April 10. SCRHA will send a reminder prior to April 10. Click here to read the staff report. 

California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Demanding Repayment
SCRHA has been made aware that some property owners and managers are receiving letters from the state demanding that rent relief be returned to the program because residents didn’t qualify. It appears that this is isolated to those who participated in the California COVID-19 Rental Relief Program as opposed to some of the local programs, like those in San Diego. This may impact housing providers in Riverside and Imperial counties. SCRHA’s representatives in Sacramento are working to get more information from the state and SCRHA is seeking clarification from the local programs. If you receive a demand letter, you have 30 days to appeal. Follow the instructions provided and make the argument that the funds were approved based on information provided by the tenant and any repayment should be the responsibility of the tenant. SCRHA will provide more information as it becomes available.

SCRHA Representatives Discuss Housing Needs with Congressmembers
SCRHA volunteers are in Washington D.C. this week for the National Apartment Association (NAA) Advocate Conference. On Wednesday, the dedicated group spent the day meeting with congressional offices asking for support of legislation that would help make it easier to build much-needed housing (HR 3507), a bill to increase funding for Section 8 landlord incentives and help streamline the inspection process (HR 4606), and a bill to end the 30-day CARES Act notice requirement for federally-backed properties (HR 802). Information was also provided regarding the insurance crisis and overall state of housing in our region. SCRHA will be following up to confirm support of the industry’s advocacy goals.

ICYMI:

• Supervisors OK $9.6M for Flood Relief Efforts, Including Lodging, Food
• San Diego County may be on the hook for $24 million (or more) after feds cap COVID emergency housing help
• Long-planned apartment complex with 176 affordable units coming to north Palm Desert
• Tens of thousands of residents moved out of San Diego County last year — almost double the number a year earlier