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In its continued effort to address the state’s housing shortage, the California Apartment Association has sponsored legislation to help streamline the conversion of mixed-use commercial space into accessory dwelling units.
SB 778 by Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, clarifies that owners of mixed-use or multifamily buildings may turn commercial spaces into these extra units, also known as in-law units or granny flats, a valuable form of housing at below-market prices within existing neighborhoods.
Sen. Josh Becker
The clarification centers on AB 68, a 2019 law that requires local governments to ministerially approve the conversion of non-living spaces in mixed-use and… Read More
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The California Apartment Association today welcomed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to fully reopen the state’s economy in a little more than two months.
Newsom announced the reopening plan for California this week, saying a full reopening will occur on June 15, so long as the state has a sufficient vaccine supply for those 16 and older, and hospitalization rates are stable and low.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
The governor’s announcement came as California reached a milestone in its battle against COVID-19, having administered 20 million doses, including 4 million in the state’s hardest-hit communities.
Even after the planned reopening, Californians will… Read More
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The California Apartment Association and several other business groups have issued a letter objecting to a bill that would create an excise tax on rental housing and a costly, statewide rental registration program.
The letter takes aim at AB 1199 by Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Los Angeles. Gipson’s legislation would impose an annual excise tax upon owners with 10 or more multifamily or single-family rental properties for the “privilege” of being a landlord. The tax rate would be based on the gross receipts of the rental income, an amount yet undefined.
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Rental housing providers and residents can now begin applying for Covid-19-related rental assistance through the State of California.
The program, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, will pay landlords 80% of the past due rent owed between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, by eligible households.
The application process opened at 5 p.m. Monday, March 15, and is accessible through this online portal.
The rental assistance money comes from a pandemic-recovery package approved by Congress late last year. It includes $1.4 billion that went to the state, while $1.2 billion headed to “entitlement districts,” which… Read More
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President Biden on Thursday signed a Covid-19 stimulus package – labeled the American Rescue Plan — that will earmark an additional $2.2 billion in emergency rental assistance for California.
Besides the rent relief, California is expected to receive $1.2 billion in homeowner assistance, $590 million in funding to address homelessness, as well as money for areas including schools, vaccines and transit systems.
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Thanks to the efforts of the California Apartment Association, multifamily operators in the city of Los Angeles can delay paying this year’s steep increase in waste-hauling charges for several months.
This year’s ill-timed fee hike – 6.15% — came amid a pandemic that has left many city landlords unable to collect rent for nearly a year.
Tagged: News Los Angeles
Gov. Newsom on Thursday allowed statewide protections against rent-gouging triggered by the COVID-19 state of emergency to lapse, however, other protections against raising rents by more than 10% – triggered by other emergency declarations – remain in effect.
The rent-gouging protections that expired stem from Newsom’s COVID-19 emergency declaration issued one year ago today.
Newsom allowed price-gouging protections triggered by the COVID-19 state of emergency to expire for all consumer goods except emergency and medical supplies, which will continue to be covered until Sept. 4, 2021.
The protections come from Penal Code Section 396, which is activated during states of… Read More
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The California Apartment Association this year is again sponsoring legislation to put a dent in the state’s ongoing housing shortage.
One of the bills, SB 621 by Sen. Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, would encourage the conversion of vacant hotels and motels into multifamily housing.
Assemblywoman Susan Eggman
Vacant hotels and motels often are located close to where people live and work. Converting the unused buildings would help revitalize economically depressed spaces, generate jobs, unlock commercial corridors, and rejuvenate communities.
The bill would create a streamlined ministerial process for converting hotels and motels into apartment buildings. The process would include objective planning… Read More
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Trying to determine when and where to apply for California’s Rental Assistance Payment Program?
It really depends on the location of your property. In some cities and counties, rental housing providers and residents can begin applying for funding now through a local rental assistance program.
In other cities and counties, they must wait for the state to open its application process. That process must begin by March 15.
Check out CAA’s new webpage on rental assistance. You’ll find an Industry Insights paper, an FAQ and a county-by-county chart that spells out when and where to apply for rental aid.
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The California Apartment Association will hold a webinar next week to help rental housing providers navigate the state’s Rental Assistance Payment Program, which will begin taking applications by mid-month.
You can now register for the webinar at one of two timeslots: 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. Thursday, March 11.
The application process for the Rental Assistance Payment Program will open by March 15, 2021. The program, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, will pay landlords 80% of the past due rent owed by eligible households.
Join CAA and housing agency staff for an overview of the… Read More