A new bill introduced at the state Capitol this month aims to prevent rent increases in Los Angeles County for one year after the region’s state of emergency related to the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions ends. Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan is behind AB 246, which would freeze rents at their current levels as of Jan. 7, 2025 and prohibit any increases during this time.
The motivation for AB 246 came from reports of steep rent hikes throughout LA County. Under this bill, district attorneys would have authority to prosecute violations with potential civil penalties reaching up to $10,000 per violation.
While condemning rent gouging, the California Apartment Association (CAA) expressed concerns about AB 246 in a letter addressed to Assemblyman Bryan. The CAA argues that by completely eliminating any possibility of raising rents during the proposed freeze period, AB 246 could unintentionally reduce available housing options.
Accordingly,the CAA believes that property owners may be discouraged from renting out rooms or additional units due to increased risks and financial constraints imposed by this legislation.This unintended consequence could worsen an already critical housing shortage in LA County accordingtotheC AA .
