Rent Caps Take Effect in 12 Counties Amid Tropical Storm Hilary

Rent caps are now in place in 12 California counties as part of the state of emergency declared by Gov. Gavin Newsom due to Tropical Storm Hilary, the California Apartment Association (CAA) said Monday. The governor’s emergency proclamation has triggered Penal Code Section 396, the state’s anti-price gouging law, which prohibits increasing prices for many consumer goods and services, including rental housing, by more than 10% above pre-emergency levels, the CAA said.

For rental housing, the prohibition applies to existing tenants and to unit turnover. The proclamation is in effect until Sept. 18 and may be extended, said the CAA.

The initial emergency proclamation on Saturday, which followed the state being placed under its first-ever tropical storm warning, covered 11 counties: Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Tulare and Ventura. On Sunday, Newsom added Mono County, where the proclamation is in effect until Sept. 19.

Pictured: Emergency personnel prepare sandbags due to Tropical Storm Hilary. Photo courtesy of the California Office Emergency Services.

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