**CAA Urges Opposition to Rent Control Measure Pending in Sacramento**
The California Apartment Association (CAA) is calling on the rental housing industry to join in opposing Assembly Bill 1157, known as the Affordable Rent Act. Introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D–San José), the bill is set for debate on April 24.
According to CAA, the legislation ignores the will of California voters, who have previously rejected stricter rent control policies at the ballot box. Referendums similar in scope to AB 1157—Propositions 10, 21, and 33—were each defeated by margins exceeding 20 percentage points.
If passed, AB 1157 would cap annual residential rent increases at 2% plus inflation, a significant reduction from the current 5% plus inflation threshold. The proposed law would also expand rent caps to include single-family homes and make these rent control measures permanent.
In defense of the bill, Assemblymember Kalra stated that the legislation is a necessary update to the 2019 Tenant Protection Act, which he believes falls short of current needs. “Existing law is not enough—these are safeguards we must bolster,” Kalra said.
CAA argues that this proposal signals a move in the wrong direction. “Lawmakers should focus on what California needs most: more housing, not more restrictive regulations,” said the organization in an official statement urging industry members to oppose the bill.
