"The California state legislature passed a bevy of blockbuster housing bills last year. Some took aim at the state's landmark environmental law, which critics argued blocked development for years. Others aim to reshape how housing is built near major transit stops or promise to hasten recovery after a disaster. While many of the new laws focus on creating new housing, tenant rights advocates argue the state needs to do more to keep existing housing stock affordable."
"Zach Murray, the state campaign coordinator for tenants rights organization Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, said they hope to gain ground for renters this year by advancing bills that stalled in committee in 2025. "With new construction... any promise of affordability that comes from getting more units is five to ten years down the line," he said. "We know that folks are struggling right now.""
California passed numerous housing bills that aim to accelerate new construction, reform development near transit, and speed post-disaster rebuilding. Some measures target the state's landmark environmental law, which critics contend limited development. Tenant advocates emphasize preserving and improving affordability in existing housing stock alongside new construction. Lawmakers introduced emergency-rebuilding provisions after Los Angeles wildfires to reduce permitting delays. AB 818 requires local agencies to approve or deny permits within 10 days during a local emergency. AB 1007 shortens agency review and comment periods from 90 days to 45. AB 301 mandates completeness checks within 15 days and approval within 30 to 60 business days.
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