This week brought a series of significant policy decisions and developments affecting housing, utilities, and residents across California, including in San Diego. San Diego City Council Okays Steep Water and Sewer Rate Hikes A sharply divided and visibly frustrated San Diego City Council voted 5-4 on October 28th to raise water rates 31% over…
This week’s California policy and tenant news highlights key developments affecting residents, from San Diego water and sewer rate hikes to new rules on internet opt-outs, layoffs, and landlord responsibilities. Stay informed on California policy and tenant news to understand how these changes may impact housing, utilities, and financial decisions across the state. Management…
The law addresses the confusion many renters grappling with the aftermath of the January fires have faced. Many apartments were left standing but choked with toxic ash. Some landlords refused to clean the debris, leaving tenants unable to return home. In the months since the fires, some local officials gave unclear or non-committal answers about…
A new San Diego rental policy, introduced by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, aims to limit “junk fees” landlords can charge renters. The ordinance, formally titled the “Residential Rental Price Gouging, Fee Exploitation, and Cost Transparency Ordinance”, seeks to cap additional fees at five percent of monthly rent, ban charges for…
The proposal was first announced on October 29, 2025, and was introduced to the San Diego City Council’s Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living on Thursday, October 30, 2025. County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and co-author Paloma Tem Aguirre presented the ordinance to the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Landlord…
Following two hours of debate, the council approved changes to the RSO endorsed by the city’s Housing and Homelessness Committee, including: Annual rent hikes for RSO-regulated buildings will have a 1% floor and 4% ceiling, replacing the committee’s proposed 0% floor and 3% ceiling. The formula for calculating allowable increases will now use 90% of…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding Assistance, Service, and Emotional Support Animals, followed by answers provided by the law firm of Simone and Blevins. Definitions used in this article: Assistance animal is a term used to describe both 1) a service animal and 2) a support animal, also known as an…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: I have a friend who owns a building in Santa Ana. He is now facing a lawsuit from one of his tenants based on habitability. Unfortunately, he does not have…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws followed by answers provided by Attorney Richard Beckman. Question 1: I am part of an HOA in Mammoth Lakes, CA. It is a 30 unit complex of townhouses. The HOA owns a renter-occupied townhouse and wishes to sell it. The HOA…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: I have a friend who owns a building in Redondo Beach. He is now facing a lawsuit from one of his tenants based on habitability. Unfortunately, he does not have insurance…