END OF SESSION - OPPOSE AB 246

FLOOR ALERT

AB 246, (Bryan) Punishing Property Owners for issues created by the SSA.

                                                                           OPPOSE

AB 246 is pending on the THIRD READING FILE.

The Apartment Association of Orange County is OPPOSED to AB 246.

AB 246 would permit all residential tenants that receive social security benefits regardless of circumstance to assert as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer action for the nonpayment of rent due to the action or inaction of the federal government. Without question, the bill could delay if not stop residential rental payments.  This bill punishes property owners for technological and administrative issues caused by the SSA.

Among the reasons to OPPOSE are as follows:

• AB 246 is only narrowly tailored to remedy one issue of social security benefits but does not address the other personal needs of social security beneficiary recipients  including the costs of medical care, and food.
• If Social Security benefits are truly the root cause of the issue, then there should be back-up or emergency funds available to give tenants who prove financial need so they can continue to be housed, purchase food and seek medical care.
  • It is unjust to make rental property owners bear the burden of an issue that is not caused by them and simply does not relate to them.
• It is the duty of government to find a just solution if there are social security benefit interruptions that works for tenants and property owners alike, not just shifting the burden from one party to the other.

We respectfully request that you OPPOSE AB 246.