Thanks to the advocacy of rental housing providers across the state, the California Assembly has yet to take up AB 246, a bill that would impose a one-year rent freeze across Los Angeles County. But the fight is far from over—continued pressure is critical to stopping this harmful legislation.

The California Apartment Association is urging members who have not yet contacted their Assembly representatives to act now and ensure this bill does not advance.

Your advocacy is making a difference — but more is needed

AB 246, introduced by Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, D-Los Angeles, would prohibit 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 has previously funded three failed statewide rent control initiatives—Propositions 10, 21, and 33.

Why stopping AB 246 is essential

• It sets a dangerous precedent: If passed, AB 246 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 AB 246 would 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.

Keep up the momentum—contact your Assembly member today