The California Apartment Association and the author of a bill on rental housing fees and transparency have agreed to pause the proposal in the Assembly to allow more time for continued collaboration and refinement. 

Originally introduced to limit fees and charges, the bill — AB 1248 by Assemblyman Matt Haney, D-San Francisco — was amended to focus on the advertising and disclosure of fees. Throughout discussions with Haney, CAA underscored the importance of preserving the ability to bill tenants for unmetered utilities — such as water, sewer, gas and electricity — through the commonly used Ratio Utility Billing System, or RUBS. 

Before being set aside for the year, AB 1248 underwent significant amendments that shifted its focus away from fee limitations. Although the first set of changes marked a new direction, all parties acknowledged that additional work remains necessary. 

In an email from the author’s staff, CAA was thanked for the many hours of meetings and constructive dialogue. The message also conveyed Haney’s appreciation for CAA’s ongoing involvement in the legislative process. 

CAA remains committed to working on this bill to ensure it reflects a balanced and fair approach for all stakeholders.