Thank you to everyone who joined our recent livestream covering critical 2026 statewide lease updates and compliance changes. Below is a streamlined recap of the livestream Q&A between AOA members and Michael Brennan, Esq. Click here to watch the video Live Legal Q&A Lease Updates & Amendments Q: Can I add an amendment to my…
22.2 million renter households – 51.8% of all renter households in the U.S. – are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their monthly income on rent. 11.2 million spend more than half of income on rent, making them severely cost-burdened. The national cost burden rate increased meaningfully from 2019 to 2022, erasing years of…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has introduced two separate proposed rules that could significantly impact federally assisted housing programs. The proposals address citizenship verification requirements and potential work requirements for residents receiving rental assistance. Citizenship Verification for Federal Housing Programs On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…
In order to continue funding the Stay Housed L.A. program, the Los Angeles City Council approved $177 million to support the program for an initial 15-month period, with options for extensions. The City Council voted 12-1 to approve the funding, which provides tenants facing eviction with free legal representation, rental assistance, and outreach services. Since…
Most eviction filings never show up in public court searches anymore, meaning housing providers are not privy to a prospective tenant’s eviction history. Housing providers blinded to a tenant’s eviction history can still use some old-fashioned personal sleuthing to identify rental risks. We have said many times and in many venues that the greatest predictor…
When housing providers talk about “problem tenants,” what they’re often really describing is a problem lease. In Southern California—especially in Los Angeles and other rent‑controlled jurisdictions—most disputes don’t begin with outrageous behavior. They start quietly, with ambiguity. A parking space that was never clearly identified. A storage area that was never explicitly denied. A payment…
The Costa Mesa City Council is considering new housing policies that would increase oversight of rental properties. These proposals include the creation of a citywide rent registry, as well as a requirement for housing providers to submit copies of eviction notices to the city. As officials evaluate ways to track rental market activity and tenant…
I recently purchased a new winter coat, and as the weather is starting to really cool off in the mornings I felt today would be a great day to wear it out. To be fair this wasn’t a really expensive jacket, in fact it wasn’t even a real “jacket”, but rather a nice hoodie that…
California’s long history of seismic activity has consistently shaped building codes and public policy across the state. In recent years, local jurisdictions have taken increasingly proactive steps to address the risks posed by older building stock that was constructed prior to modern seismic standards. The City of San Jose is now preparing to join a…
The national median home price has yo-yoed towards twice what it was ten years ago. The average home in the United States went from around $200k to $400k, molded by an unrelenting storm of inflation, tight supply, and surging demand. With that in mind, let’s gather around the fire and reminisce about an enchanted era…