California Attorney General Requests Housing Authorities Deny Rent Increases to Protect Vulnerable Tenants
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a request to housing authorities in the state, urging them to deny rent increases for tenants enrolled in the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. The move comes amid confusion and differing interpretations of the state’s rent control laws among housing authorities.
The Section 8 Housing Voucher Program is a federally funded initiative designed to provide financial assistance to low-income families. However, some housing authorities mistakenly allowed rent increases higher than the thresholds mandated by rent control laws. They believed that individuals receiving subsidies through the voucher program were not protected by the statutes.
Attorney General Bonta made it clear that every tenant, including those receiving federal aid, is entitled to protection under the law. He emphasized the vulnerability of Section 8 recipients and stated that subjecting them to illegal rent increases would be unfair and could contribute to homelessness.
In letters sent to the housing agencies, Bonta acknowledged the violations that have occurred and requested their assistance in correcting any misconceptions. He stressed his commitment to enforcing state laws and advised all landlords to familiarize themselves with the regulations and act accordingly.
The attorney general also highlighted a narrow exception in the rent control laws that allows for certain exemptions when rent is subsidized by local governments. However, he reaffirmed that this exception does not apply to tenants enrolled in the Section 8 program.
California is facing a growing housing crisis, worsened by inflation and a significant portion of the population burdened by high rental costs. In response, Attorney General Bonta recently established a housing strike force to address affordability and accessibility issues. The strike force, composed of deputy attorneys general, monitors compliance, defends and enforces state laws related to housing supply and market stability.
The actions of the housing strike force have already yielded results. A settlement of nearly $400,000 was reached with a housing developer based in San Jose, resolving claims of unlawful rent increases and illegal evictions. Lawsuits have also been filed against the cities of Huntington Beach and Elk Grove for violations of the Tenant Protection Act.
Huntington Beach City Council’s brief ban on certain housing applications prompted a strong response from the attorney general and the governor, who called it unlawful obstructionism. In April, the attorney general filed a lawsuit against the city for failing to adopt a housing element plan. Elk Grove’s denial of a housing development project in their Old Town triggered litigation from the state, with a warning issued to other municipalities that fail to meet their housing obligations.
With the attorney general’s clarification of the law and the emphasis on housing agencies’ responsibility to monitor rent increase applications, the public is encouraged to report any unlawful incidents related to housing.
The aim of these efforts is to protect vulnerable tenants and ensure compliance with state laws. By providing clear guidelines and enforcing regulations, California hopes to address its housing crisis and create a more stable and affordable housing market for all residents.
