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LAist Investigation Re-ignites State Bill Calling For Rental Registry

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A state assemblywoman wants to collect new data on rental housing in California. The new bill from Oakland lawmaker Buffy Wicks, AB 2406, would track rents, vacancies, ownership and more for landlords with at least 5 units.

Wicks pledged to re-introduce the bill after KPCC broadcast our special report, STUCK, which shined a light on the lack of public information about landlords in California. "I'm bringing the bill back," she said. "It's my number one priority."

We found a rental empire spanning the state, with a track record of dirty, dangerous and even deadly conditions.

Wicks said the data will help California figure out how to address its housing crisis. Currently, she told LAist:

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"It's really hard to get information about what's happening. It's hard for the tenants to do that. It's hard for journalists to do it, it's hard for lawmakers to do it. So that's why I think the rental registry is really important."

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