Legislative Update - October 1, 2026
Voice Article Alleges Violations of City Utility Billing Ordinance
Voice of San Diego recently reported on seven complaints alleging housing providers did not provide utility-billing documentation required under the City of San Diego ordinance. San Diego’s utility fee law is less than a year old and while we can’t speak directly to the complaints in the article, we can say that the vast majority of housing providers work hard to follow the many laws related to rental housing. SCRHA is working to address the issue with elected officials. Read the article: San Diego Passed New Renter Protections Last Year. Tenants Say Landlords Are Already Breaking Them
Governor Signs Rental Housing Legislation Despite Industry Opposition
Yesterday, September 30, Governor Newson signed two bills that will impact rental housing operations. SB 1296 (Durazo) will require written pet policies with applications and disclosures for certain types of advertising. SB 1365 (Allen) alters the rules surrounding rental pricing during declared emergencies. SCRHA opposed the bills and asked the Governor to veto the legislation. SCRHA will work to address these new laws with guidance and relevant forms. Join SCRHA on October 9 for the Year-End Legislative Wrap Up Webinar.
Help SCRHA Gather Vital Data on Rental Fraud
SCRHA is conducting a short anonymous survey to better understand rental fraud and whether it is becoming more common. The goal is to gather local data about incidents affecting housing providers to help support future advocacy efforts, media outreach, and member education initiatives. Take the survey today!
Desert Hot Springs Adopts Rental Inspection Ordinance; Fees Not Yet Set
The City Council of Desert Hot Springs has enacted a Rental Registration Ordinance requiring a rental registration permit for long-term rental properties, along with periodic inspections to ensure compliance with current habitability and safety standards. The city has roughly 6,500 rental units, and the new rules require registration and generally one inspection every five years. Self-certification will be available in late 2027. The city had not yet finalized the program's fees. Staff proposed a $100 registration fee per property along with a $60 self-certification fee. Housing providers may attend the October 6 city council meeting to share their views on the fee schedule. Click here to learn more.
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