Local Preservation Strategies
CHPC works closely with local governments, nonprofit developers, tenant advocates, local HUD offices and other partners to develop regional preservation strategies. Click here to read more Best Practices in Local Preservation Strategies.
In 2007, CHPC launched an initiative to identify at-risk properties in targeted regions and work with local governments to develop local preservation strategies for their communities. We began our efforts in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys and plan to expand our efforts to the San Diego and Los Angeles County region soon. Read the reports on our efforts in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. Click here if you are interested in having CHPC come to your region of the state.
State Preservation Notice Law
Finding that federal notice laws do not go far enough in warning tenants and local governments of the potential loss of affordable homes or in encouraging preservation transfers, California enacted its own groundbreaking state notice law in 1987. Government Code Sections 65863.10-13 contain a series of provisions designed to give tenants sufficient time to understand and prepare for potential rent increases, as well as to provide local governments and potential preservation buyers with an opportunity to preserve the property. The state Notice Law has become a critical tool for preservation in the state as it has increased opportunities for preservation transfers, thereby extending affordability for an additional 30-55 years. Click here to read more about the State Preservation Notice Law.
Housing Element Law
California law recognizes the vital role local governments play in the supply and affordability of housing. Each city and county in California is required to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of its jurisdiction. The housing element is one of the seven mandated elements of the local general plan. Housing Element law, enacted in 1969, mandates that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. In 1989, Housing Element law was amended to require a detailed analysis of at-risk apartments including: an inventory of at-risk apartments, assessment of conversion risk, cost of replacement versus preservation, list of entities qualified to preserve at-risk apartments, and financing and subsidy resources available for preservation. In addition, cities and counties are required to provide in their housing elements a program for preserving at-risk properties, including: actions to monitor, actions to finance and provide technical and regulatory assistance and actions to assist tenants. Click here to learn more about best practices, including preservation strategies in housing element updates.
Why preserve existing affordable rental housing?
- It generally costs half as much and takes half the time than building it new.
- On average it serves much lower income households than new construction.
- New construction alone cannot produce enough affordable housing to meet demand in most markets in California.