Glendale Inspired Senate Bill 521 Passes California State Senate Measure Encourages Landlords to Take Section 8 Housing

Sacramento, California – Today, SB 521, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) passed the California State Senate. SB 521 provides a tax credit to property owners who enter into new contracts to rent their property to Section 8 voucher recipients. SB 521 is an attempt by Glendale and Senator Portantino to incentivize property owners to rent to more Section 8 applicants.  Recently, property owners in Pasadena stopped taking Section 8 vouchers due to adverse economic interests.

“I would like to thank the City of Glendale for bringing forward this important legislative proposal. The economics behind Section 8 housing can sometimes create a disincentive to rent to Section 8 tenants at a time when California faces a severe housing shortage and the cost of living continues to increase.  SB 521 seeks to be a benefit for renters and landlords,” commented Senator Portantino.

The City of Glendale, the City of Pasadena, the California Apartment Association, the California Rental Housing Association and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials from Southern California Chapter support SB 521.

“SB 521 is another example of the great partnership between Glendale and our Senator.  This tax credit will help our private apartment owners and more importantly help families in need of affordable housing.  It is one more arrow in our quiver to broadly help our community.  This effort coupled with the $27 million in bond funds we are trying to dedicate to affordable housing should make a significant and positive impact on our housing needs,” added Mayor Najarian.

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