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LA Renters, Here’s What the Election Means for Your Housing Future!

Welcome to The Tenure View!

Hey there, LA renters! 👋 The recent election may be behind us, but its impact on housing policies is only beginning to unfold. Whether you’re concerned about rent increases, tenant protections, or what this means for your day-to-day life, we’re here to break down everything you need to know. This week’s issue dives into recent election outcomes, local laws, and how these shifts could shape your rental experience in LA.

Main Article: "Election Results: What LA Renters Need to Know Now" 🗳️

As we head into a new administration with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, housing policies are poised to shift. His proposed plans and priorities could have broad effects nationwide, and LA renters should be especially mindful of potential changes at the federal, state, and local levels.

1. Proposition 33’s Rejection: Rent Control Stays Limited

  • What It Was: Prop 33 aimed to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which restricts California’s rent control laws. This would have allowed cities to expand rent control to cover single-family homes, condos, and newer apartments.

  • Why It Didn’t Pass: Voters rejected this measure by a significant margin, with opponents arguing it could deter new housing development and exacerbate the housing crisis. Tenant advocates, however, saw it as a missed opportunity to stabilize rents in California’s most expensive cities.

  • What This Means for You: Rent control will remain limited to older buildings, leaving newer properties and single-family homes exempt. As a renter, you may still feel rent pressure in LA’s competitive market, but stay tuned—this is likely not the last time rent control will be on the ballot.

2. Strengthened Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance Passed in LA

  • What’s New: In response to over 13,000 harassment complaints since 2021, the LA City Council recently updated the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO) to protect renters facing intimidation, “renovictions,” and other landlord pressures.

  • Why It Matters: Under the amended ordinance, landlords found guilty of harassment now face stiffer penalties, including minimum fines of $2,000 per violation. It also provides tenants who prevail in court with triple damages and attorney’s fees, incentivizing more legal protections for renters.

  • What This Means for You: If you’ve ever faced landlord harassment or pressure to move out under suspicious circumstances, know that the city has your back. Organizations like the LA Tenants Union are available to assist and provide support if you need to file a harassment claim.

3. National Housing Policies Under the New Administration: What Could Change

  • Lowering Mortgage Rates: President Trump has vowed to bring down mortgage rates, aiming to make homebuying more accessible. While this could help new homeowners, it might inadvertently raise home prices, ultimately impacting the rental market if more properties become unaffordable.

  • Increasing Affordable Housing: Trump’s plan includes opening up federal lands for new housing developments and cutting regulations to reduce construction costs. However, given the limited amount of federal land near urban centers like LA, the impact may be limited locally.

  • Immigration Crackdown & Housing Demand: The new administration has linked housing demand to immigration and proposes policies to reduce undocumented immigration levels. Experts suggest that while this may affect demand, it could also reduce the construction labor force, potentially slowing housing development.

  • What This Means for You: While these federal policies won’t have an immediate effect on LA renters, shifts in housing and immigration policies could trickle down to local markets. We’ll keep an eye on national developments and share updates relevant to you.

Quick Tips: Cost-Saving Ideas for LA Renters Facing High Rents 📈

If you’re among the 71.7% of Gen Z renters in LA who are rent-burdened—spending more than 30% of your income on housing—you’re not alone. Here are a few cost-saving tips to help:

  • Negotiate Lease Terms: Some landlords may offer lower rent or reduced fees for longer lease terms. It never hurts to ask!

  • Lower Utility Bills: With the cooler months approaching, cut back on heating and use energy-efficient bulbs to reduce electricity costs.

  • Renter’s Insurance: This isn’t just for theft; it also covers unexpected damages, saving you from unexpected costs.

Got more budget-friendly tips? Share them with us, and you may see them featured in an upcoming issue! 💸

Community Spotlight: “From Fear to Empowerment: Lucia’s Story in Westlake” 🌆

This week, we caught up with Lucia, a single mother and long-time Westlake renter who recently navigated an unjustified rent hike. With the help of the LA Tenants Union, she successfully negotiated her rent and found a supportive community of renters.

  • Her Advice: “Reach out for support. I almost gave up, but learning my rights and connecting with other renters turned everything around.”

  • Her Resources: “Workshops and legal support helped me understand my options. Don’t hesitate to seek help—it’s out there.”

Read Lucia’s full story in our upcoming new series and learn how community support can be a lifeline for renters facing challenges. 🌟

Poll of the Week: What’s Your Biggest Rental Concern Post-Election? 📊

We want to hear from you! With new policies and ongoing rent hikes, what’s your biggest concern?

Login or Subscribe to participate

Vote now above and stay tuned for our advice on tackling these top concerns in the coming weeks.

Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Thanks for being part of The Tenure View community! This election season has brought some changes, and while we can’t predict every outcome, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and ready to navigate whatever comes next.

Help Us Build a Stronger Community: Know someone who could benefit from The Tenure View? Invite them to join us! Every new subscriber helps us advocate for renters across LA.

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Until next time,
The Tenure View Team

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