The California rent cap was implemented four years ago, but housing struggles are still very much present today.
Since low-income housing units are not part of the California rent cap, many still struggle to afford a roof over their heads. (Photo: Local Profile)
California Rent Cap’s Downsides
Four years ago, a California rent cap was implemented to safeguard tenants from frequent and substantial rent hikes. However, the California rent cap excluded numerous low-income housing units that are typically constructed with public subsidies and managed by public housing agencies.
Additionally, more than 350,000 privately owned low-income housing units in California, which were built using federal tax credits, are also exempt from the California rent cap. Consequently, residents residing in these units, who were meant to be protected by the California rent cap, have faced significant rent increases.
For instance, in a published article by The Observer regarding the California rent cap, Miguel Contreras, a mechanic, encountered a 17% rise in his rent, and over the past two years, his rent has surged by 25%. These escalating costs have made it increasingly challenging for Contreras to afford his apartment even with the California rent cap.
In response to experiencing the downsides of the California rent cap, Contreras and fellow tenants organized a protest against their landlord, KDF Communities, but the company declined to engage with them, leaving them still in the dark and not having to experience the good sides of the California rent cap.
California Drivers’ Struggles
In a published article by Lost Coast Outpost, drivers in California are experiencing difficulties in finding affordable car insurance. Many are facing delays in getting coverage and are required to pay their premiums upfront. Complaints about high premiums, delayed quotes, and questionable insurer behavior have been circulating online, prompting an investigation by the California Department of Insurance.
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