Assembly Bill Proposes One-Year Rent Freeze Across LA County

Legislation introduced this month at the state Capitol would freeze rent increases across Los Angeles County for a year following the end of the region’s state of emergency related to the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions. Introduced by Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, AB 246 proposes locking rents at levels charged as of Jan. 7, 2025 and banning any increases during the freeze.

Bryan introduced the measure following reports of significant rent increases across LA County. Violations under AB 246 would be subject to prosecution by district attorneys, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. 

The California Apartment Association said that while it condemns rent gouging, it contends that AB 246 goes too far by eliminating rent increases altogether during the proposed freeze. In a letter to Assemblyman Bryan, CAA outlined several concerns regarding AB 246. 

“By freezing rents for 12 months, AB 246 will inadvertently reduce the availability of housing.” the letter says. “Property owners who might otherwise consider renting out a room, accessory dwelling unit, or a second home may decide against doing so due to the increased risks and financial constraints imposed by this legislation.” This unintended consequence could further exacerbate the housing shortage, CAA said.