CALIFORNIA – A bill that would have imposed stricter rent caps and expanded eviction protections across California failed to advance in the State Assembly on January 13. 

This halts the measure for this legislative session.

Assembly Bill 1157, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D‑San José), did not secure enough support to move out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. 

The measure required seven votes to pass the committee but fell short, receiving only four in favor.

It would have lowered the statewide rent cap to 2% plus inflation, capped at 5%.

Under the current law (AB 1482), annual rent increases are limited to 5% plus inflation for most older rental units.

The bill also would have extended tenant protections to housing types currently exempt, including single-family homes, condominiums, accessory dwelling units, and individually owned townhomes.

AB 1157 would have removed the 2030 expiration date, making California’s rent caps and eviction protections permanent.

Lawmakers are pursuing $10 billion housing bond

Opponents, including the California Apartment Association (CAA) and building industry groups, argued the changes could discourage investment in rental housing, push small property owners out of the market, and worsen the state’s housing shortage.

The legislation was carried over into 2026 as a two‑year bill after stalling in committee during the previous session.

However, it ultimately could not garner enough support this year.

The failure of AB 1157 comes as lawmakers pursue other housing initiatives.

Lawmakers are pushing a $10 billion housing bond proposal designed to fund affordable homes and address the state’s housing crisis.

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