REALTORS® helped to lead the successful fight to oppose AB 854! The bill failed to garner the support needed to even be considered by a vote prior to the deadline on Monday, January 31, 2022. AB 854 would require property owners to stay in the rental housing business for at least five years.
The REALTOR® Party of California was in strong opposition to this legislation for threatening the rights of property owners afforded under the Ellis Act. Sponsored by C.A.R., the Ellis Act (1985) protects property owners’ right to exit the rental property business if the operation is no longer sustainable.
AB 854 would have unfairly forced owners to keep their rental business, even if they cannot afford to stay in business or need to move an ailing or elderly family member into one of their units. The pandemic has been particularly challenging for many small rental property owners who have not received rental payments for many months, coupled with increased costs for maintenance and repairs. This legislation could have caused economic ruin or foreclosure for property owners who can no longer afford to own the property.
To read the full list of state bills supported and opposed by REALTORS®, click here.