A tenant-unionizing bill is being expanded to allow California tenants to withhold payment in protest when a landlord raises the rent beyond the rate of inflation.  

Under an amendment to SB 529 by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, a rent increase above the consumer price index is listed as a qualifying “grievance” to go on a rent strike without risking eviction. The amendment was added Tuesday during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Debra Carlton, CAA’s senior vice president of public affairs, testified that the new element to SB 529 amounts to rent control. It also comes less than six months after California voters rejected rent control at the ballot box by defeating Proposition 10.  

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