By Gabby McIntyre
Within the first months of 2025, over 160 housing-related bills have been announced, and legislative committees are assessing more high-profile bills surrounding housing and homelessness to address the affordability crisis urgently. Recognizing the need for change, many new lawmakers are eager to take on the challenge. Although some lawmakers are adamant about increasing the affordability of houses in California, the lack of budget proves to be a persistent problem.
The primary reasons cited for the lack of funding are tariffs and national budget cuts imposed by the Trump administration, as well as delays in tax receipts from many people residing in Southern California. Recently, Assembly Bill 1157 was brought to the forefront. The goal of the bill is to amend the Tenant Protection Act of 2019. This amendment would help the renting of single-family homes by extending renter protections and making them permanent.
Another goal is to lower California’s annual rent cap from a 10% increase to 5%. Under the Tenet Assembly Act, a landlord is required to remove a housing unit from the market to pay an evicted tenant relocation assistance, except for single-family rentals, granny flats, and duplexes. The act mainly focuses on these policies on multi-family homes, but AB 1157 would remove most of the exemptions. The act is expected to enhance tenant rights and prevent people from being evicted and displaced, which can often lead to homelessness.
References:
Alameldin, M., Chaidez, A., & Talaat, Y. (2025, March 17). 2025 California legislative preview: Rebuilding, accelerating production, and funding affordable housing. Terner Center for Housing Innovation. https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/blog/2025-california-legislative-preview-rebuilding-accelerating-production-and-strengthening-protections/
California Legislative Information. (2025, March 27). AB-1157 tenancy: Just cause termination: Rent increases. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1157
Rancaño, V. (2025, April 25). California lawmakers push housing laws to boost affordability. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/news/12036934/california-lawmakers-push-housing-laws-to-boost-affordability