Why Property Owners Must Oppose Assembly Bill 246 (A.B. 246)
Anthony A. Luna • March 8, 2025
Help STOP the Rent Freeze & Rent Roll Back
Assembly Bill 246, proposed by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, threatens to freeze and roll back rents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, affecting all residential rental properties—including those traditionally exempt from rent control such as single-family homes, condominiums, and new constructions. If passed, this bill would retroactively set rents back to January 7, 2025, imposing severe financial penalties—up to $10,000 per violation—for property owners who fail to comply.
The Immediate Threat of A.B. 246
Scheduled for discussion by the State Assembly's Judiciary Committee on March 4, 2025, A.B. 246 represents a severe and potentially indefinite financial risk for rental housing providers. It mandates not only a freeze on rent increases but requires property owners to issue refunds to tenants, effectively rolling back rents without a defined end date.
Why A.B. 246 Sets a Dangerous Precedent
This proposed legislation undermines the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and introduces unprecedented price controls across all residential rental properties. Here's why this bill poses a significant threat to your property investments:
- Emergency Measures Without Expiration: A.B. 246 could indefinitely freeze rental rates by exploiting emergency provisions, setting a troubling precedent for future governmental interventions.
- Significant Financial Burdens: Property owners, many still recovering from nearly four years of COVID-related financial setbacks, would face further destabilization, potentially forcing many out of the market or into foreclosure.
- Redundant Regulation: Numerous jurisdictions within Los Angeles and Ventura Counties already maintain strict rent control measures, making this legislation both redundant and excessively punitive.
Act Now to Protect Your Investments
Property owners and real estate investors cannot afford to remain passive. It's crucial to:
- Contact your local Assemblymember immediately: Clearly express your opposition to A.B. 246, highlighting its harmful impact on your business and community.
- Reach out to Judiciary Committee members: Emphasize the dangerous financial and economic consequences of passing this bill.
Key Talking Points to Communicate:
- A.B. 246 unfairly freezes and rolls back rents indefinitely in L.A. and Ventura Counties, further destabilizing an already fragile market.
- Current state and local regulations sufficiently address rent caps and price gouging, rendering A.B. 246 unnecessary.
- Los Angeles City and County have previously rejected similar measures, recognizing them as unnecessary and detrimental.
- Independent housing providers, already stretched thin by prolonged COVID-era rent moratoriums, cannot withstand the further financial pressure that this legislation would impose.
- California voters have repeatedly rejected similar overreach—Propositions 33, 21, and 10 were all defeated, reflecting clear voter opposition to stringent rent controls.
Your Action is Critical
Use the
Find Your California Representative tool to identify and contact your local Assemblymember. Every voice counts—urge them to vote NO on A.B. 246.
Together, we can protect fair and balanced housing regulations that support property owners, tenants, and healthy communities.
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Finding the right tenant is one of the most important things you’ll do as a property owner. The right renter can mean steady income, fewer problems, and long-term stability — while the wrong one can lead to missed rent, damage, or legal headaches. So how do you actually find great tenants for your rental property? Here's a clear, step-by-step approach that works — whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned investor. 1. Write a Clear, Honest Rental Listing Start by crafting a listing that highlights what makes your property attractive, but also sets clear expectations. Good property descriptions should include: Rental price and lease length Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Location and amenities Any restrictions (pets, smoking, etc.) Post your listing on multiple rental listing sites — but don’t underestimate the power of rent signs in front of the property, especially if it's in a high-traffic area. 2. Market Where Your Ideal Tenants Are To reach more prospective tenants , take your marketing beyond listing sites. Post your property on social media , community groups, and even local forums. Word of mouth can also be powerful — let friends, colleagues, and neighbors know the unit is available. Make sure your contact information is easy to find and consistent across platforms. You want prospective renters to reach you quickly when interest is high. 3. Use a Standard Rental Application When potential tenants reach out, have a standard rental application ready to go. This not only helps you stay organized, but ensures you’re collecting all the info you’ll need for the next step — tenant screenings . A good application should request: Full name and contact details Employment and income information References and previous landlord contacts Authorization for a background check and credit score pull 4. Screen Tenants Thoroughly (and Legally) One of the most critical steps in finding good tenants is how you screen tenants . Don’t skip this part — it’s where most rental issues can be avoided. Effective tenant screenings usually include: Background check (criminal history, eviction records) Credit score and payment history Verification of employment and income Reference checks with their previous landlord Always follow housing laws when screening applicants. Be consistent, fair, and avoid any language or decisions that could be considered discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act. 5. Collect a Security Deposit and Finalize the Lease Once you’ve found a great tenant , collect a security deposit (within the limits set by your state), and have both parties sign a clear, legally binding lease agreement . Your lease should detail rent amounts, due dates, responsibilities, and procedures for repairs or disputes. If you're not sure how to draft one, consult with a landlord or property manager familiar with local rental laws. Final Thoughts Finding the right tenant takes more than just putting up a listing — it takes a clear strategy, legal awareness, and the ability to evaluate prospective tenants fairly and confidently. The effort you put in now saves time, money, and stress later. If you're unsure or simply want to ensure a smooth process, working with a professional property management company can make tenant placement and lease compliance much easier.
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