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🏠Rent Relief or Rent Burden? What Newsom’s Next Move Means for California Renters
Welcome to The Tenure View, If you’re a renter in California, this week could define your housing stability for years. From Governor Newsom’s pending decision on new eviction protections tied to Social Security, to slowing rent growth that still leaves millions paying too much, to rising eviction rates—policy and market forces are colliding. The bottom line? What happens in Sacramento and LA right now could mean the difference between staying housed or losing your home.
⚖️ Policy Watch: Can Social Security Delays Get You Evicted?
Here’s what’s on the line: Assembly Bill 246, sitting on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, would give renters new protections if their Social Security benefits are delayed, reduced, or interrupted by federal actions.
AB 246 could give seniors and disabled renters a shield if Social Security payments are delayed.
Why this matters: California has 6.5 million Social Security recipients—and more of them are renters than ever. In Los Angeles alone, the number of senior renters has climbed more than 30% in the past decade.
If signed, the bill means:
Renters could pause an eviction case for up to six months if their Social Security payments were disrupted through no fault of their own.
Once benefits are restored, tenants would have 14 days to repay or set up a payment plan with their landlord.
The protections would run through January 2029 (the end of Trump’s second term).
Supporters call it a safeguard for seniors and disabled renters. Opponents argue it squeezes “mom-and-pop landlords” who rely on rent checks to cover their own mortgages.
👉 Our take: For renters living month-to-month, one missed Social Security check can mean homelessness. AB 246 could be the lifeline that prevents disaster. Newsom has until October 13 to decide.
🚇 Housing Reform: SB 79 and the Transit Question
Los Angeles has a rare moment of consensus: the housing shortage is crushing renters. SB 79 aims to fix it by allowing midrise, mixed-income apartments near transit hubs, regardless of local zoning barriers.
SB 79 could unlock thousands of new apartments near LA’s transit hubs.
If even 10% of the housing SB 79 makes possible gets built, experts estimate LA could erase two-thirds of its housing shortage.
Critics say it undermines “local control.” But data shows Angelenos aren’t as NIMBY as once thought—59% of residents support apartments in their own neighborhood.
👉 Our take: LA renters spend half their income on housing while commuting longer than ever. We don’t need more “control.” We need homes near jobs and trains.
📉 Market Trends: Rent Growth Slowing… But Still Too High
The latest data is a mixed bag for renters:
Rent vs. Inflation: Rents rose 3.5% year-over-year, outpacing inflation again.
Typical asking rent: $2,007 nationally (up 36% since before the pandemic).
Affordability: Renters now need a household income of ~$80K to afford the median rental.
Concessions rising: Nearly 37% of listings now offer discounts like free months of rent.
👉 Our take: Rent growth is slowing, but affordability hasn’t improved. With wages lagging behind, renters are still paying more for less.
🏚️ Eviction Reality Check
California saw 136,000 eviction filings last year—22 per 1,000 renter households. That’s higher than pre-pandemic levels, though statewide filings have leveled off compared to 2023.
LA County: Evictions are up since 2019 despite past moratoriums.
Highest rates: San Bernardino leads with 38 filings per 1,000 renter households.
Lowest rates: Santa Cruz, at just 8.
Legal aid and community groups are stepping in, but renters remain far less likely than landlords to have legal representation.
136,000 eviction filings last year — many renters never even made it to court
👉 Our take: Filing numbers don’t tell the whole story. Many renters self-evict before court to avoid having an eviction record. Stability is still fragile.
🌟 Community Spotlight: Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU)
This week we spotlight the Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU), a grassroots powerhouse pushing for stronger eviction protections.
The Los Angeles Tenants Union continues to push county leaders for stronger renter protections
Just last week, LATU urged the Board of Supervisors to approve an eviction moratorium for those impacted by immigration raids—framing it as a humanitarian necessity. Their organizing helped move LA County toward expanded relief.
👉 Follow LATU’s work here: LATU on Knock-LA
💡 Renter Tip of the Week: Protect Yourself from Surprise Hikes
With rent caps resetting in September, landlords can now raise rents by up to 7% in some areas. Don’t get blindsided:
Renew early: Lock in your lease before caps reset.
Put repairs in writing: Creates a record if landlords try to pass costs on to you.
Challenge pet rent: Many “pet fees” are negotiable—or even unlawful.
Audit utilities: Ask for a breakdown of shared costs.
One renter told us: “My landlord tried to sneak in a $50 pet rent. I pushed back with local law, and it disappeared.” Small wins add up.
📝 The Tenure Take
This week’s takeaway: California renters are caught between slow progress and high stakes. Newsom’s decision on AB 246 could be a turning point for seniors and disabled renters. SB 79 could unlock thousands of new homes near transit. But until these changes land, the fight against high costs and unstable housing continues.
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