WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 1618

Prohibits warehousing of housing accommodations and harassment of tenants; provides penalties therefor

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Prohibits warehousing of housing units and tenant harassment; sets penalties and enforcement to protect tenants, curb withholding of units, and stabilize rental markets.

REFERRED TO HOUSING
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1618

Summary of Assembly Bill A 1618

Overview

A 1618, introduced January 10, 2025 and sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (primarily), is a housing-focused measure that prohibits warehousing of housing accommodations and harassment of tenants, and establishes penalties for violations. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Housing. A companion bill exists in the Senate as S 1217.

Purpose and intent

  • Protect tenants from abusive practices by landlords related to housing availability and tenant treatment.
  • Address warehousing practices, i.e., keeping housing units vacant or withheld from the market to manipulate supply, rents, or tenant rights.
  • Improve tenant safety and stability by deterring harassment and abusive landlord conduct.

Key provisions (high-level)

Note: The specific statutory language is not provided here; provisions are described based on the bill’s title and summary.

  • Prohibition on warehousing of housing accommodations
    • Landlords would be barred from intentionally leaving units vacant or otherwise withholding housing from the market in ways that undermine tenants’ rights, reduce housing availability, or influence rent dynamics.
  • Prohibition of harassment of tenants
    • The bill would bar landlord actions constituting harassment of tenants, aimed at disrupting occupancy, intimidating tenants, or forcing relocation.
  • Penalties
    • The bill would establish penalties for violations, to be determined in the text (likely civil penalties, fines, or injunctive relief, consistent with housing-protection statutes).
  • Enforcement and remedies
    • The measure would authorize or specify enforcement mechanisms and potential remedies for affected tenants.

Who and what is affected

  • Affected parties: Landlords and tenants in housing accommodations covered by the bill (the exact defined scope would be in the statute).
  • Government and agencies: Housing department or equivalent state agency responsible for enforcement and administration of the act (as indicated by the committee referral to Housing).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Housing as of January 10, 2025.
  • Legislative path: As a new bill, it would need committee consideration, passage by both houses, and gubernatorial action to become law. The presence of a companion Senate bill (S 1217) indicates parallel legislative interest.

Related legislation

  • Related Assembly bills from prior sessions: A 4018, A 4058, A 4911, A 1403, A 5094, A 5791, A 4121, A 3700, A 4705.
  • Companion: S 1217 (listed as a companion in the Senate).

Potential impact

  • Tenant protections: Strengthened safeguards against deceptive or abusive landlord practices and improved housing stability.
  • Market effects: Possible reduction in warehousing practices could affect housing supply dynamics and rental markets.
  • Enforcement: Outcomes depend on enacted penalties and the specified enforcement framework.

Next steps to watch

  • Review the bill language for precise definitions (e.g., what constitutes warehousing and harassment), specific penalties, and enforcement procedures.
  • Monitor committee hearings and any amendments, along with actions on the companion Senate bill S 1217.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.