Welcome to The Tenure View, If you’re a renter in Los Angeles, you’ve probably heard two familiar explanations for high housing costs: we’re not building enough homes, and government rules make construction too slow. But a new national poll suggests many Americans believe something deeper is at play — that the housing industry itself shares the blame for keeping costs high.

This week, Los Angeles officials extended funding for tenant legal aid, Pasadena launched a narrowly targeted eviction-prevention program, and landlord groups pushed back hard against potential rent cap reductions. With rent growth slowing nationwide but not in LA, the question becomes: are we fixing affordability, or just trading blame?

A nationwide survey by the Searchlight Institute found near-unanimous agreement that housing costs are excessive — 93% of respondents said housing is too expensive, and 43% called it “way too high.”

Yet, when asked whether adding more housing would lower prices, 44% said new development would actually raise prices, while just 24% believed it would lower them. To many Americans, new housing means luxury apartments, not affordable options.

When asked what’s driving prices up, respondents pointed to several culprits:

Even proposed solutions divide opinion. Rent caps and freezes earned the same support (34%) as pro-housing zoning reforms, showing that Americans want both immediate relief and long-term supply.

These tensions mirror what’s unfolding in Los Angeles. The California Apartment Association recently mailed over 70,000 postcards urging property owners to oppose proposed changes to the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which could lower allowable rent increases and alter formula calculations. The group warns such caps would “discourage investment and worsen the housing shortage.”

Tenant advocates disagree, arguing that capping rent growth at 3% would protect households already on the brink — especially while the city’s housing supply remains out of reach for many working families.

Meanwhile, City Council voted to extend Stay Housed LA funding through March 31, adding $15 million to keep eviction defense, legal aid, and rental assistance running after contract delays threatened to shut it down. Tenant attorneys welcomed the move but cautioned that short-term funding makes it difficult to maintain staffing and consistency for renters seeking help.

Nationally, rent growth is slowing. The Cotality Single-Family Rent Index shows prices up just 1.4% year-over-year, the lowest increase in 15 years. But Los Angeles bucks the trend, with rent growth still at 2.8%, ranking second among major metros.

Even homeowners aren’t escaping affordability stress. A Consumer Affairs report found that Los Angeles homeowners are among the nation’s most “house poor,” spending an average of 32.5% of their income on housing — fourth highest nationwide.

Together, these figures suggest a paradox: even as national rents ease, LA’s underlying housing tension remains as strong as ever.

Stay Housed LA (Countywide):
Thanks to the recent funding extension, renters in Los Angeles County can continue receiving free eviction defense, rent relief, and legal assistance through spring 2026. If you’ve received an eviction notice, apply right away — early legal help often prevents displacement.

Pasadena Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA):
Starting November 3, Pasadena will open applications for a $1.4 million eviction-prevention fund aimed at low-income renters and those losing federal housing vouchers. The program prioritizes households earning ≤50% of Area Median Income, with preference for those under 30%, seniors, and the disabled. Only about 15 households will be selected, but it’s a lifeline for those on the edge.

Rent Growth (YoY):

There’s no single villain behind unaffordable rent. The truth sits in the overlap between profit, policy, and politics. Renters need immediate stability — predictable increases, accessible aid — while policymakers work on long-term supply that matches real incomes.

Affordability can’t wait for a perfect market. LA’s challenge is to protect renters today while ensuring the homes of tomorrow are more than just high-rises for the few.

The Tenure View exists to make renter knowledge free and accessible for everyone — no paywalls, no noise, just clarity and care.

We do this because housing information shouldn’t belong only to insiders. It should belong to you — the renters, neighbors, and advocates shaping Los Angeles every day.

If you value what we’re building, there are two simple ways to help keep it going:

Send it to a friend, tenant group, or coworker who could use it.

or

👉 Support our work — Make a one-time or monthly contribution to help us stay independent.

Every share and every dollar keeps The Tenure View free, trustworthy, and community-powered — the way housing information should be.

Home insurance costs continue to climb, with premiums rising over 9% this year and more than 60% in the past five years. However, coverage hasn’t kept pace, leaving many homeowners paying significantly more for less protection. With affordability becoming a growing concern, it’s more important than ever to compare options—check out Money’s handy home insurance tool to find the best fit for you.

Use tool