Happy Saturday, Housing Heroes!

You’d think California lawmakers would focus on the big stuff first.

But instead… they’re going after landlords. Again.

Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez @senatorsrp My #SB52, The End AI Rent Hikes Act, passed the Senate and now heads to the Assembly. AI companies are turning landlords from competitors into collaborators and raising rents beyond market rates—worsening affordability. SB 52 would ban rent fixing algorithms to protect renters. 8:35 PM • Jun 2, 2025 1 Retweets 1 Likes Read 1 replies

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This week, a new bill entered the spotlight: SB 52, The End AI Rent Hikes Act, introduced by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) just passed the Senate and now heads to the Assembly. It’s being framed as a way to stop “tech-powered rent gouging”, but the bill is yet another overreach that could hurt the very people it claims to protect.

Let’s break down what’s going on and what it could mean for you.

What SB 52 Claims to Do

SB 52 would prohibit the use of AI algorithms to help landlords set rent prices, especially tools that analyze neighborhood trends, occupancy rates, and competitive pricing.

Why? Because a DOJ lawsuit targeted a Texas-based software company for alleged anti-competitive practices. Now, California lawmakers want to jump on the bandwagon - despite no evidence of this happening at scale in California.

They cite a White House report estimating AI rent-setting tools cost renters $3.8 billion annually. They also say a $100 rent increase raises homelessness by 9%.

But what’s missing from this narrative?

Why This Should Concern You

Let’s be real: this isn’t about protecting renters from AI, it’s about stripping tools from housing providers.

• AI doesn’t “set” rent. It gives landlords data, not decisions.
• Mom-and-pop landlords lose out. Big companies can afford internal analysts. Smaller providers rely on software tools like Zillow, Rentometer and free online tools to stay competitive
• This opens the door to rent control 2.0. More regulation disguised as “protection.”
• It ignores the real issue: a lack of housing supply, not algorithms.

The Bigger Picture

California’s housing crisis isn’t caused by AI. It’s caused by a shortage of homes, red tape, and policies that discourage investment in rental housing.

Instead of helping renters by lowering costs, SB 52 could lead to fewer rentals, longer vacancies, and more owners exiting the market, all of which drive prices up.

What You Can Do Right Now

We need your voice to stop this legislation before it hurts even more housing providers.

Contact your assemblymember and urge them to VOTE NO on SB 52. This bill is a knee-jerk reaction, and it does more harm than good.

Click the button below to find your representative and send a quick email urging a NO vote on SB 52.

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🎥 How to Price Your Rental: What To Charge In Today’s Market

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Steve Welty CEO @ Good Life Property Management DRE #01744610 ​​​​

5252 Balboa Ave #704, San Diego, California 92117
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