SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), commends Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 1482, authored by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), and other rent protection legislation into law. AB 1482 provides California renters with crucial tenant protections against excessive rent increases and unjust evictions.
“I am proud to co-author AB 1482, which helps ensure that California renters are provided important protections for affordable housing. Cities like Los Angeles have seen drastic increases in rent that makes it difficult for families to stay in their homes or apartments, creating a rippling effect to neighborhoods, schools and local businesses,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles). “While working with our elected leaders at the local level, the state must act with urgency for the safety and well-being of all Californians. The right to housing is a fundamental human right.”
California is facing a major housing crisis which has led to a drastic increase in homelessness numbers. In Los Angeles County alone, there are nearly 60,000 individuals suffering from homelessness. California issued 12% fewer permits for new homes and 42% fewer apartment permits in 2019 than the year before. Rent increases has also contributed and exacerbated the housing crisis to the point where families must choose between housing, food and other daily necessities. AB 1482 helps address this issue by implementing an annual rent increase cap at 5% plus inflation. Additionally, this measure requires landlords to list a cause in their written notice to terminate a tenancy.
“This is a historic victory for the millions of renters who are struggling to make it in California,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco). “Sacramento has finally heard the voices of renters across our state who have traditionally been overlooked and ignored. I am grateful to my colleagues, legislative leadership, Governor Newsom, and our incredible coalition for supporting this bill that will hopefully bring California renters some peace of mind and stability.”
Other renter protection bills signed into law today include AB 1110, by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), to require landlords to give 90 days’ notice to a tenant before imposing rent increases of more than 10%; SB 329, by Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), to prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants who rely upon housing assistance, such as a Section 8 voucher and SB 644, by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda), to lower the amount that a landlord can charge service members for a security deposit on a rental unit.
“About a third of California renters pay more than half of their income to rent and are one emergency away from losing their housing,” said Governor Newsom. “One essential tool to combating this crisis is protecting renters from price-gouging and evictions. The bills signed into law today are among the strongest in the nation to protect tenants and support working families.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected as the representative of the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is a member of the Health, Appropriations, Utilities & Energy, Labor and Rules Committees. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.