California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy.
The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule. Some cities and counties in the Golden State have exceptions to renter-protection laws that allow landlords to evict tenants while making renovations.
Another law that limits rent increases at lease renewal may come into play if owners look to recoup the cost of renovations through rent increases. That law does not apply to properties built within the past 15 years.
The state has set aside funds for many more energy retrofits, including $622 million for homes in low-income communities. But the legislation enabling this work has not addressed the possibility of evictions, according to the report.
Nearly 80% of California’s low-income renters spend more than half their income on rent, the report says. Renovations to decarbonize buildings could cause rent increases that low-income households cannot afford or could temporarily force tenants to vacate buildings, which could trigger more evictions, the report says.
Related Stories
Senior Living Design | Apr 24, 2024
Nation's largest Passive House senior living facility completed in Portland, Ore.
Construction of Parkview, a high-rise expansion of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Portland, Ore., completed recently. The senior living facility is touted as the largest Passive House structure on the West Coast, and the largest Passive House senior living building in the country.
Student Housing | Apr 23, 2024
Student Quarters selected to manage 502-bed student housing community
Student Quarters, a leading student housing owner and management company, announces the newest addition to its portfolio: The Armory Sam Houston Apartments.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 18, 2024
Marquette Companies forms alliance with Orion Residential Advisors
Marquette Companies, a national leader in multifamily development, investment, and management, announces its strategic alliance with Deerfield, Ill.-based Orion Residential Advisors, an integrated multifamily investment and operating firm active in multiple markets nationwide.
Student Housing | Apr 17, 2024
Student housing partnership gives residents free mental health support
Text-based mental health support app Counslr has partnered with Aptitude Development to provide free mental health support to residents of student housing locations.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 15, 2024
Two multifamily management firms merge together
MEB Management Services, a Phoenix-based multifamily management company, and Weller Management, a third-party property management and consulting company, officially merged to become Bryten Real Estate Partners—creating a nationally recognized management company.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024
Legal cannabis has cities grappling with odor complaints
Relaxed pot laws have led to a backlash of complaints linked to the odor emitted from smoking and vaping. To date, 24 states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and several others have made it available for medicinal use.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Habitat starts leasing Cassidy on Canal, a new luxury rental high-rise in Chicago
New 33-story Class A rental tower, designed by SCB, will offer 343 rental units.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024
Greystar becomes top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024
One firm set records for this year’s National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 roundup of multifamily firms. Greystar now sits at number one in the NMHC’s lists for top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024.
Student Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Construction begins on Auburn University’s new first-year residence hall
The new first-year residence hall along Auburn University's Haley Concourse.
