SB567: A Threat to California Landlords

In recent months, California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo introduced Senate Bill 567 (SB567), a bill that aims to implement significant changes to the state's rental housing laws. While the intentions behind the bill may be noble, landlords across California are deeply concerned about the potential consequences that SB567 could have on their livelihoods and the rental housing market as a whole. Consequently, they are actively urging their state senators and assembly members to vote against the bill in order to protect their interests and ensure the availability of safe and affordable housing options for Californians.

One of the primary concerns voiced by landlords is that SB567 would impede their ability to generate a reasonable profit. Under the proposed bill, annual rent increases would be limited to 3% plus inflation, a rate well below the actual inflation rate. Consequently, this limitation would significantly hinder landlords' capacity to cover their operational costs, let alone earn a reasonable return on their investments. By imposing such constraints, SB567 undermines the financial viability of rental properties and discourages landlords from maintaining or expanding their housing portfolios.

Moreover, SB567 poses a threat to the investment climate for landlords in California. The bill makes it considerably more challenging for landlords to evict tenants, even in cases of just cause. While tenant protection is undoubtedly crucial, this aspect of the bill introduces a level of risk that may deter potential landlords from entering the rental market or incentivize current landlords to divest their properties. If landlords are unable to effectively manage their properties due to restrictive eviction regulations, the supply of rental housing is likely to diminish. A study conducted by the California Apartment Association estimates that SB567 could result in the loss of 100,000 rental units and reduce the overall rental housing supply in California by 2%. Furthermore, the study suggests that the bill may lead to an increase in rents by approximately 1.5%.

Beyond its impact on profitability and investment, SB567 also raises concerns about the quality of rental housing in California. The bill imposes additional obstacles for landlords seeking to make repairs and improvements to their properties. By adding bureaucratic red tape and making it more arduous to ensure maintenance and upgrades, SB567 could potentially lead to a decline in the quality of rental housing. Consequently, tenants may struggle to find safe and affordable housing options, exacerbating the already challenging housing situation in California.

Faced with these worrisome implications, landlords throughout the state are uniting in their opposition to SB567. They firmly believe that the bill would harm the rental housing market and make it increasingly difficult for Californians to secure suitable accommodation. The California Apartment Association (CAA) estimates that SB567 could inflict a staggering $1 billion per year in lost rent on landlords. Furthermore, the CAA predicts that the bill may ultimately result in the eviction of 100,000 tenants, compounding the state's housing crisis.

As a landlord in California, it is crucial to take action and voice your concerns. Reach out to your state senator and assembly member, urging them to vote against SB567. By engaging directly with your representatives, you can contribute to safeguarding the rental housing market and protecting the interests of both landlords and tenants. To learn more about SB567 and discover additional ways to take action, visit the California Apartment Association website.

In the pursuit of a fair and equitable rental housing landscape, it is vital to strike a balance that protects the rights of tenants while recognizing the essential role played by landlords. Collaborative efforts that engage all stakeholders can help shape legislative solutions that address the housing challenges faced by Californians without unduly burdening landlords.

Reach out today if you are interested in learning more, or schedule a meeting with our team.