California's AB 246 Rent Freeze: What Landlords Need to Know
Assembly Bill 246 proposes a 12-month rent freeze in L.A. County. Learn what this could mean for your rental property—and your bottom line.
Planning to raise rents in Los Angeles County? You might want to hit pause. California’s proposed Assembly Bill 246 (AB 246) is gaining traction—and it could mean a full year of frozen rents, starting January 2025.
While it’s aimed at protecting tenants after emergencies like wildfires, it’s also raising concerns for landlords who are still recovering from COVID-era moratoriums and rent caps.
If you’re looking for experienced property managers in Southern California who can help you stay ahead of legal changes like AB 246, give us a call at (858) 207-4595. We help landlords stay compliant, profitable, and protected.
Key takeaways
- AB 246 would freeze rents in L.A. County for one year, locking rates at January 7, 2025 levels.
- Landlords could face up to $10,000 in fines per violation.
- The bill overrides local decisions and imposes statewide control.
- California already caps rent hikes at 10% during emergencies.
- This could set a precedent for more emergency-based rent freezes across the state.
Table of Contents
What Is AB 246?
Assembly Bill 246, authored by Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, proposes a 12-month rent freeze in Los Angeles County. If passed, it would cap rent at what tenants were paying on January 7, 2025, and prohibit increases for the next year.
The goal is to protect tenants in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as wildfires or floods. But for many landlords, it could create serious financial challenges—especially for those still recovering from recent eviction protections and income losses.
Why Landlords Should Pay Attention
AB 246 isn’t just about L.A. County. It’s a signal that lawmakers may be open to more aggressive rent control measures statewide, especially after emergencies.
Here’s why landlords across California should care:
- It overrides local control. Both the Los Angeles City Council and L.A. County Board of Supervisors have previously rejected proposals like this, but AB 246 would force it through anyway.
- There’s already a law in place. Under California Penal Code §396, landlords can’t raise rents more than 10% during a declared emergency. AB 246 goes a step further by freezing rents entirely.
- It could spread. If this bill passes, it could set a precedent for similar rent freezes elsewhere in California. That means even landlords outside of L.A. County should keep an eye on this.
- Fines are steep. The bill allows for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and it applies to any rental housing, not just rent-controlled units.
Isn’t Emergency Rent Protection Already Covered?
Yes—and that’s part of the controversy.
California Penal Code §396 already limits rent increases to 10% during declared emergencies (like wildfires or earthquakes). AB 246 may be well-intentioned, but many landlords and industry groups argue that it’s redundant and unnecessarily punitive.
It’s worth noting that several local governments rejected similar rent freeze proposals, but this bill would override their decisions and enforce rent freezes anyway.
For context on how state legislation affects landlords, check out our guide on AB 1482: Understanding California’s Statewide Rent Control.
Could This Impact You if You Don’t Own Property in L.A. County?
Yes. Even if your rentals are in San Diego, Orange County, or the Bay Area, AB 246 could become a blueprint for future statewide policies.
We’ve already seen how tenant protections expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. If AB 246 becomes law, it could inspire similar rent freezes across other counties or during future emergency declarations.
What Should You Do Next?
- Review your leases. If you’re planning a rent increase in early 2025, this bill could impact your timing.
- Contact your local Assembly member. Let them know how this bill could affect your rental business. You can use CAA’s VoterVoice page to reach out to them.
- Plan for rent growth limits. Build more conservative revenue forecasts into your 2025 planning.
- Stay informed. Legislation like this can move quickly—and affect your bottom line.
We Help Landlords Navigate Policy Shifts Like AB 246
When rent laws change, landlords feel the pressure first. At Good Life Property Management, we stay on top of shifting regulations so you don’t have to. Whether it’s rent freezes, inspection laws, or eviction rules, we’ll keep your property compliant and your investment protected.
Schedule a call to speak with one of our Good Life experts or explore more landlord resources on our blog.
FAQs About California's AB 246 Rent Freeze
What is AB 246 and who does it apply to?
AB 246 is a proposed California law that would freeze rental rates in Los Angeles County for one year, starting January 2025. It applies to all rental properties, regardless of whether they’re currently under rent control.
Can I raise the rent before January 7, 2025?
Yes, if the bill passes, it would freeze rents at whatever rate is in effect as of January 7, 2025. Any lawful rent increases before that date would still apply—so timing matters.
What are the penalties if I violate AB 246?
If the rent freeze is enacted and you increase rents during the 12-month period, you could face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, plus potential legal fees and tenant restitution.
How does AB 246 compare to existing emergency rent laws?
California already has Penal Code §396, which limits rent increases to 10% during a declared emergency. AB 246 would go further by freezing rents entirely—regardless of market conditions or previous increases.
Steve Welty
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