David Wagner
Housing Reporter
(he/him)
I cover housing in Southern California, a place where ever-rising rents and a persistent lack of affordable housing have led to many living on the edge of homelessness. I help people understand their rights, housing market trends, policy changes and the solutions being proposed to fix the region’s housing crisis.
I grew up in Anaheim, where my parents had the car radio constantly tuned to LAist 89.3 (formerly KPCC). Before coming to KPCC and LAist, I covered science for the NPR affiliate in San Diego, KPBS.
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After renters sued over alleged lack of enforcement, L.A. County has now clarified tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in smoke-damaged homes. -
One tenant thought he got a great deal — until his landlord raised his rent by almost 12%. -
In response to rising climate change-driven heat deaths, landlords will be required to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 82°F in unincorporated parts of L.A. County. -
Starting Friday, the city will cover 10% less rent for Section 8 voucher holders. -
Following uproar from homeowners and local elected leaders, a state law allowing denser housing in single-family areas will no longer apply to the Pacific Palisades. -
Starting Aug. 1, a state rent control law will limit annual increases to 8%. The region’s ceiling on rent hikes has been 8.9% over the last year. -
Should Palisades and Altadena homeowners be able to build duplexes on their burned lots? Some state and local officials say no. -
Starting Aug. 1, the city will decrease rent subsidies for its federally funded Section 8 housing vouchers, leaving 60,000 households stuck with fewer places to go. -
Facing budget shortfalls, local governments are now asking philanthropists to help provide cash assistance and rent relief to families with detained workers. -
The district attorney’s office has not filed any charges for post-fire price gouging. Now, county leaders want the ability to issue daily fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
Stories by David Wagner
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