Rent checks have been going up eleven months in a row in Southern California, The Orange County Register reports. In July, rents rose at an annual rate of 1.4 percent in the Southland, continuing a steady rise since they took a dip in 2010. But it might too soon to start ask Jimmy McMillan to open a West Coast branch of The Rent Is Too Damn High Party. more ›

The Great California Smokeout continues with a state Senate-approved anti-smoking bill that has Weho apartment dwellers concerned about the power of prohibition that may be granted to landlords under California law. Notes Weho Patch, the bill passed last week could have a "major impact in West Hollywood by giving landlords ammunition to evict smokers." more ›

While Santa Monica has some strong rent-control laws, the city said it has fallen behind in protecting renters of regular apartments and other types of units. Last week, the council voted on some restrictions for landlords and may place some measures on the November ballot to let voters decide on some issues, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. more ›

With the foreclosure crisis happening, homeowners weren't the only ones finding themselves homeless. Renters were too. After all, someone owns those buildings and they can foreclose just as easily. But after a one-year moratorium placed on foreclosure-related evictions yesterday, it will be harder for banks to evict good tenants who pay rent on time. more ›