No More Rent Freeze? What Landlords Need to Know About the Revised AB 246
Updated: May 2025
California’s AB 246 has changed course—dropping rent caps and introducing eviction protections during federal benefit disruptions.
Planning to raise rents in Los Angeles County? You may not need to pause anymore. California’s Assembly Bill 246 (AB 246) has been significantly revised—shifting away from a proposed rent freeze and toward more targeted eviction protections.
Originally, AB 246 aimed to lock in rental rates for an entire year starting January 2025. But as of May 2025, that version is off the table. The latest amendments remove the rent freeze entirely and focus on preventing evictions during Social Security payment interruptions.
If you’re looking for experienced property managers in Southern California who can help you stay ahead of legal changes like AB 246, give us a call at (858) 207-4595. We help landlords stay compliant, profitable, and protected.
Key takeaways
- AB 246 no longer freezes rents in Los Angeles County.
- The bill now prevents evictions for nonpayment of rent during Social Security disruptions.
- Tenants must submit a hardship declaration to qualify for protection.
- Landlords must provide 15-day notices during payment disruptions and include a state-issued hardship form.
- These protections are effective until January 20, 2029.
Table of Contents
What Is the Revised AB 246?
AB 246 was originally introduced to freeze rental rates across L.A. County for 12 months, locking in rents at January 7, 2025 levels. However, the most recent version of the bill drops the rent freeze entirely.
Instead, it now offers eviction protections for tenants during declared interruptions in Social Security payments. If a disruption occurs, tenants who rely on those benefits and are unable to pay rent may not be evicted, as long as they submit a state-issued hardship declaration.
This new version of the bill will stay in effect until January 20, 2029.
Why It Was Changed
The original rent freeze proposal received heavy pushback from landlords, industry groups, and even local governments. Critics pointed out that California already limits rent increases during emergencies under Penal Code §396, which caps increases at 10%.
Policymakers instead decided to shift the focus toward protecting vulnerable seniors and disabled renters who might be affected by federal payment delays. By pivoting to eviction protections during those specific disruptions, the bill becomes narrower and more enforceable.
What Landlords Are Required to Do Now
Under the current version of AB 246, landlords must:
- Provide a 15-day notice to pay or quit during declared Social Security interruptions (instead of the standard 3-day notice).
- Include a hardship declaration form provided by the state in the notice.
- Delay eviction filings if the tenant returns the declaration form stating they are affected by the payment delay.
This is similar to how eviction protections were handled during COVID-19 under state emergency rules.
Will This Affect You Outside L.A. County?
As of the most recent version of AB 246, the bill no longer includes language specific to Los Angeles County. While the original proposal targeted a rent freeze in L.A. County, the revised version focuses on eviction protections during interruptions in Social Security benefit payments.
The current text does not explicitly define a county-specific scope, which suggests that the protections could apply broadly across California, depending on how implementation is interpreted. However, no official statewide application has been confirmed.
Until further clarification is issued, landlords across California should monitor AB 246 closely and be prepared to adjust procedures if a Social Security payment interruption is declared.
What Should You Do Next?
Review your lease templates. Make sure your notices and lease language align with state rules.
Train your property management team. Be prepared to respond quickly if Social Security payments are delayed.
Stay updated. This bill sets a precedent. It’s worth monitoring how California responds to other federal or state-level financial interruptions.
Bookmark official sources. Keep this AB 246 bill page handy for real-time updates.
We Help Landlords Navigate Policy Shifts Like AB 246
When rent laws change, landlords feel the pressure first. At Good Life Property Management, we stay on top of shifting regulations so you don’t have to. Whether it’s rent freezes, inspection laws, or eviction rules, we’ll keep your property compliant and your investment protected.
Schedule a call to speak with one of our Good Life experts or explore more landlord resources on our blog.
FAQs About California's AB 246
What is AB 246 now that it’s been revised?
AB 246 is a California bill that now protects tenants from eviction if Social Security payments are delayed and they can’t pay rent. It replaces the original rent freeze proposal.
Does AB 246 still freeze rents?
No. The rent freeze portion has been removed. The current version focuses on temporary eviction protections during specific federal benefit interruptions.
When do the protections under AB 246 apply?
Only during declared interruptions in Social Security benefit payments. The state must formally recognize the disruption for protections to apply.
What should landlords include in eviction notices now?
During a Social Security payment disruption, you must issue a 15-day notice and include a hardship declaration form provided by the state.
Steve Welty
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