Lower the Rent! Pass the Affordable Rent Act!

The Affordable Rent Act (AB 1157) is a solution to California’s crushing housing costs and homelessness crisis - bringing immediate relief to millions of families.

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What The Affordable Rent Act Does

AB 1157 (Kalra) strengthens California’s 2019 Tenant Protection Act (TPA) in three ways:

  • Cut rent increases in HALF. AB 1157 will limit allowable yearly rent increases to inflation + 2%, or 5% max–whichever is lower. Current law sets the limit at inflation + 5%, or a maximum of 10%.

  • Covers more renters. AB 1157 will expand protections to people renting single-family homes.

  • Permanent Protections. AB 1157 removes the 2030 expiration date of the Tenant Protection Act (TPA) so these rules last forever.

Why We Must Pass The Affordable Rent Act

  • Rent increases cause homelessness. When rents go up, more people lose their homes. Research from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that for every $100 increase in median rent, homelessness rises by 9%. California cannot solve its homelessness crisis without stopping the pipeline of people pushed out by high housing costs.

  • Corporate landlords are making it worse. Since the pandemic, big landlords have been buying up housing, making record profits while renters drain their savings. Many use rent-setting software that pushes rents far above the market average—forcing even more families into homelessness.

  • Lowering the rent cap helps NOW. Housing is the biggest monthly cost for most families. By capping rent increases, California leaders can give renters stability and security—even with a tight state budget. Building more affordable housing is essential, but it takes years and billions of dollars. Lowering the cap gives relief immediately.

  • California Must Lead When Washington Attacks: While Washington attacks programs that working families rely on, California lawmakers have a duty to protect people here at home. Passing AB 1157 is concrete action they can take right now to bring relief.

  • Lowering the Rent Cap Saves Taxpayer Money: Homelessness already costs California billions each year in shelters, hospitals, jails, and services. Rent increases are the fastest-growing cause of homelessness. By keeping rents stable, we prevent homelessness, reduce emergency spending, and make tenant protections permanent by removing the 2030 expiration date of the Tenant Protection Act (TPA).

Facts vs. Myths

✅ FACT: Rent caps have broad, bipartisan support.

In fact, a 2024 Redfin poll found that 82% of Americans support rent caps, with support across party lines: 86% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans. Both renters (86%) and homeowners (78%) agree. In California, a 2022 Chan Zuckerberg Initiative poll showed 83% of Californian back rent control.

❌ MYTH: California voters don't want rent caps.

✅ FACT: Rent caps are a winning issue for legislators.

A 2024 poll of 2,500 registered voters in swing districts found:

  • 70% of voters—and 78% of renters—were more likely to support a candidate who backs rent stabilization.

  • 67% of homeowners said the same.

Rent stabilization was the most popular policy – the most likely to attract voters—more popular than building affordable housing, providing vouchers, or other tenant protections.

❌ MYTH: Rent caps are a losing issue for legislators

✅ FACT: AB 1157 supports housing production growth.

  • New construction is exempt: Homes built in the last 15 years are not covered by the rent cap, giving developers flexibility. Research shows rent stabilization does not hurt housing production.
  • The real barrier is funding: California spends less than 1% of its budget on housing and homelessness—far below what’s needed to meet demand.
  • We need action now: Building more homes is essential, but it takes years. Families facing eviction can’t wait a decade for relief.
  • Both/and approach: We need both immediate tenant protections AND more housing. AB 1157 makes that possible.

❌ MYTH: AB 1157 deters new construction.

✅ FACT: A 5% cap still lets landlords maintain their properties.

  • Inflation adjustments are allowed: Rent can still rise above inflation, giving landlords enough income for maintenance.
  • Maintenance is required by law: Landlords must legally keep homes safe and habitable—regardless of rent caps.
  • Operating costs have not skyrocketed: Property taxes are frozen under Proposition 13, and most maintenance costs haven’t risen at anywhere near 10% per year.
  • Good maintenance pays off: Well-kept properties attract tenants, reduce vacancies, and increase property value.

❌ MYTH: AB 1157 will lead to substandard housing.

✅ FACT: AB 1157 helps "mom-and-pop" landlords thrive while limiting corporate rent gouging. 

  • Corporate landlords are the real problem: Many single-family homes have been bought by big investors who raise rents aggressively. In 2021, corporate entities owned nearly half of all U.S. rental units. Small landlords face the biggest threat from these investors—not fair rent rules.
  • Small landlords still earn a fair return: Courts protect landlords’ right to a reasonable profit. A 5% rent cap gives enough revenue to maintain properties and grow equity.

❌ MYTH: AB1157 will hurt small "mom-and-pop" landlords.

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