The California Assembly could vote as soon as Thursday, March 13, on AB 246, a proposal that would impose a one-year rent freeze across Los Angeles County. The California Apartment Association is urging rental housing providers to contact their Assembly members and oppose the bill before the vote.

AB 246, by Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, D-Los Angeles, would prevent rental housing providers from increasing rents for a full year, locking rates at levels charged as of Jan. 7, 2025. The measure is backed by Housing Is A Human Right, the advocacy arm of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which previously funded three failed statewide rent control initiatives—Propositions 10, 21, and 33.

Why AB 246 must be stopped

It sets a dangerous precedent: If passed, this bill could pave the way for future state-imposed rent freezes after any wildfire, flood, or natural disaster.

Local leaders rejected similar policies: The Los Angeles City Council and L.A. County Board of Supervisors both declined to impose a rent freeze, yet state lawmakers are now attempting to override those decisions.

California already has rent price-gouging protections: Penal Code §396 caps rent increases at 10% during declared emergencies, making AB 246 unnecessary.
Housing providers endured nearly five years of rent freezes during COVID: Many landlords lost their properties due to increasing costs while rental income remained restricted. AB 246 risks repeating this crisis.

Violations could result in steep penalties: The bill allows district and city attorneys to impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation against rental housing providers.

Take action before the vote

With a vote expected as early as Thursday, March 13, CAA urges rental housing providers to contact their Assembly members and urge them to vote NO on AB 246.