City of Burbank
Rent Cap Issues Survey
320-1169
2 Dates August 11 – September 5, 2024
Survey Type Dual-mode Survey
Research Population/
Total Interviews
804 Total Burbank Adult Residents
Unweighted: 371 Renters, 367 Homeowners,
and 123 Resident Landlords
Weighted to be Representative of City Adult Resident Population:
426 Renters, 307 Homeowners, and 84 Resident Landlords
23 Non-Resident Landlords Were Also Surveyed
Margin of Sampling Error (Full Sample) ±4.0% at the 95% Confidence Level (Half Sample) ±5.7% at the 95% Confidence Level
Contact Methods
Data Collection Modes
Languages English, Spanish & Armenian
(Note: Not All Results Will Sum to 100% Due to Rounding) Survey Methodology
Telephone
Interviews
Online
Interviews
Postcard
Invitations
Text
Invitations
Telephone
Calls
Email
Invitations
3 Research Goals
• The research was designed to assess residents’ (including resident landlords’) opinions of policies and issues related to rent caps on continuing tenants.
• Specifically, the research measured opinions of the State rent cap law and other specific rent cap alternatives.
• The research was also designed to gather information on the renter and resident landlord experience generally.
• The research was not designed to convince residents to support or oppose rent caps. In fact, question language was intentionally chosen to avoid as much bias as possible. 4 Research Caution
• One should not expect a 1-to-1 match of renter and
landlord experiences since:
our charge was not to include corporate owners of Burbank housing - which would lean more toward larger apartment buildings
we interviewed a modest number of mom-and-pop landlords who live outside the City and not a representative sample 5 Opinions About Annual Rental Cap
Options for Continuing Tenants
6 Q8 a/b Combined. As you may know, the State of California passed a law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. I am going to read you the components of this state law. Please tell me if you strongly support that component, somewhat support it, somewhat oppose it, or strongly oppose that component of the state law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. 45%
52%
38%
33%
28%
27%
29%
30%
8%
7%
9%
7%
15%
11%
20%
28%
5%
5%
All Residents
Renters
Homeowners
Resident Landlords
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. Don't Know Total Supp.
Total
Opp.
73% 22%
78% 18%
67% 29%
63% 35%
Large proportions of renters and homeowners
support the State’s rent cap percentage;
six in 10 landlords do so as well.
7 Renters are more likely than homeowners and landlords to support the State law’s rent cap percentage and less likely to support the law’s exemptions.
Q8 a/b Combined, c-e. As you may know, the State of California passed a law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. I am going to read you the components of this state law. Please tell me if you strongly support that component, somewhat support it, somewhat oppose it, or strongly oppose that component of the state law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. ^Not Part of Split Sample Rent Cap Components
Demographic Group
All
Residents Renters Home-
owners
Resident
Landlords
Caps annual residential rent increases for continuing
tenants at no more than 5% plus the local rate of
inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. (With example:) As an example, based on this state law, the rent increase
cap in Burbank is currently 8.9%.
73% 78% 67% 63%
^Exempts single-family homes and condominiums unless
they are owned by a corporation from the cap on annual
residential rent increases for continuing tenants.
44% 37% 53% 65%
^Exempts newly constructed rental buildings until they are 15 years old from the cap on annual residential rent
increases for continuing tenants.
32% 29% 36% 52%
^Cities may enact their own rent cap policies for
continuing tenants, but the allowable rent increase cannot be greater than what is allowed in the state law.
72% 79% 61% 54%
(% Total Support)
8 Support rises slightly with renters, while
opposition rises more notably with landlords.
Q8 a/b Combined. As you may know, the State of California passed a law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. I am going to read you the components of this state law. Please tell me if you strongly support that component, somewhat support it, somewhat oppose it, or strongly oppose that component of the state law capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants.
Q9. Having heard more about this state law, let me ask you again about the law’s cap on annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose capping annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants at no more than five percent plus the local rate of inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. 45%
45%
52%
56%
38%
34%
33%
25%
28%
29%
27%
28%
29%
30%
30%
26%
8%
6%
7%
9%
9%
7%
11%
15%
14%
11%
8%
20%
22%
28%
34%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
Initial Opinion
Opinion After
More Information
Initial Opinion
Opinion After
More Information
Initial Opinion
Opinion After
More Information
Initial Opinion
Opinion After
More Information
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. Don't Know Total Supp.
Total
Opp.
73% 22%
74% 20%
78% 18%
84% 12%
67% 29%
64% 31%
63% 35%
51% 45%
All Residents
Renters
Homeowners
Resident Landlords
9 Majorities of landlords and residents alike feel the
state law has had a positive or neutral impact on them
personally—although more landlords give
a negative assessment.
Q11. Regardless of whether you support or oppose this state law, do you believe this rent cap is having a positive impact on you personally, a negative impact on you personally, or is it making no difference one way or the other for you personally? Q12: having a positive impact on you as a residential rental property owner, or landlord, in Burbank, a negative impact, or is it making no difference one way or the other?
9%
12%
21%
25%
34%
13%
19%
9%
11%
49%
Residents, Excluding Landlords Resident Landlords
Total
Positive
32%
Total
Negative
20%
Total
Positive
21%
Total
Negative
46%
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Somewhat negative
Very negative
No difference one way or
the other/Don't know/
Refused
10 Nearly half of renters say the state rent cap is having a positive impact on them personally; most homeowners say it is making no difference for them.
Q11. Regardless of whether you support or oppose this state law, do you believe this rent cap is having a positive impact on you personally, a negative impact on you personally, or is it making no difference one way or the other for you personally? 3%
7%
8%
11%
71%
20%
26%
11%
11%
32%
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Somewhat negative
Very negative
No difference one way or
the other/Don't know/
Refused
Renters Homeowners
Total
Positive
46%
Total
Negative
21%
Total
Positive
11%
Total
Negative
19%
(Asked of Residents Who are Not Landlords, n=716)
11 Opinions Towards
Rent Cap Policies in Other Cities
12 Opinions about Rent Cap Polices Enacted
in Other Cities by Renters, Homeowners,
and Resident Landlords.
Q13. I am going to read you some policies enacted in other cities. Please tell me if you would strongly support that policy regarding annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants, somewhat support it, somewhat oppose it, or strongly oppose it if enacted in the City of Burbank. If you are unsure, you can tell me that instead.
Other City Rent Policies
Demographic Group
All
Residents Renters Home-
owners
Resident
Landlords
Capping annual rent increases at no more
than the rate of inflation. 63% 75% 46% 37%
Capping annual rent increases at
75% of the rate of inflation. 51% 66% 30% 31%
Capping annual rent increases at 7%.
However, residential rental property owners
are allowed to raise the rent higher than
7% up to the state cap if they provide
relocation assistance of three months’
rent for tenants who move out because
of the increase.
41% 49% 30% 24%
(% Total Support)
13 Opinions of City Fee to Enforce
an Annual Rent Cap Policy
14 Renters support the monthly fee, while
homeowners and landlords oppose it.
Q14. The City of Burbank predicts enforcing an annual rent cap policy—whether the state law or another proposal—will cost the City approximately $5 million per year. Would you support or oppose the City levying approximately $20 per month paid by the residential rental property owner to cover the cost of enforcing an annual rent cap policy?
29%
41%
16%
12%
25%
28%
20%
13%
9%
9%
9%
6%
24%
10%
44%
64%
13%
13%
12%
5%
All Residents
Renters
Homeowners
Resident Landlords
Strng. Supp. Smwt. Supp. Smwt. Opp. Strng. Opp. Don't Know/Refused Total Supp.
Total
Opp.
55% 33%
69% 18%
36% 52%
25% 71%
15 Likely Landlord Action if Burbank
Enacts a Lower Annual Rent Cap
16 Nearly seven in 10 resident landlords say they
would make fewer upgrades or improvements
if the City enacts a lower rent cap.
Q15. How likely are you to do each of the following if the City of Burbank enacts a lower cap on annual residential rent increases for continuing tenants:
very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not likely at all? If any one item does not apply to you based on the type of rental units or property you own, please tell me that instead.
(Ranked by Total Likely to Take the Action)
41%
39%
29%
25%
7%
26%
17%
20%
16%
11%
14%
12%
15%
19%
12%
8%
18%
19%
21%
30%
8%
10%
14%
10%
36%
6%
5%
9%
Make fewer upgrades or
improvements
Invest less in your residential
rental properties
Move into your rental unit or
have family members do so
Sell your residential rental
properties in Burbank or leave
the market
Convert your unit or units
to condominiums
Very Lkly. Smwt. Lkly. Not Too Lkly. Not Lkly. at All Does Not Apply Don't Know Total
Lkly.
Total
Not Lkly.
68% 22%
55% 29%
49% 33%
41% 40%
18% 42%
17 Renter Experiences and
Characteristics
18 The vast majority of renters rent an apartment,
with roughly two in 10 renting single-family homes.
Q17. Asked of Renters Only
Do you currently rent . . .
65%
19%
6%
4%
3%
3%
An apartment or flat
A single-family home
A townhome
An ADU or guest house
A condominium
Something else
19 Among the renters living in multi-unit buildings,
four in 10 live in buildings with 10 or less units.
Q18.
(Asked of Renters Living in Multi-unit Buildings, n=315) How many rental units would you say are in your building or complex? Your best guess is fine. 18%
23%
19%
22%
9%
8%
1%
One to four
Five to 10
11-20
21-50
51 to 100
More than 100
Don't know/Refused
20 Half of renters who moved within the City in the last 10 years did so at least in part because of a rent increase.
Q20 & Q21.
(Asked of Renters Living at Current
Residence 10 Years or Less: n=327)
Yes
36%
No
64%
DK/Refused
1% 26%
23%
51%
1%
Rent increase
Both
Another reason
Don’t know/
Refused
Rent
Increase/
Both
49%
In the last 10 years, have you rented elsewhere in Burbank other than your current residence? (IF YES:) Did you move out of your previous Burbank rental residence because of a rent increase or for another reason or both?
21 Two out of three renters experienced a rent
increase when renewing their lease.
Q22. In the last year or when your lease most recently came up for renewal in your current residence, was your rent increased, decreased, or did it stay the same? If you have not lived at your residence long enough to incur a rent change, please indicate that. Asked of Renters Only 67%
0%
21%
10%
2%
Increased
Decreased
Stayed the same
Have not lived at residence long enough
Don’t know/Refused
74%
Received Rent Increase
Among Those Living at
Their Residence Long
Enough for a Renewal
22 Approximately half of those who did not get a rent
increase in the last year have never had a rent
increase while living at their current residence.
Q23. How many years has it been since you have had a rent increase at the residence where you currently live? Your best guess is fine. Has it been. . . (Renters With No Rent Increase in Last Year Despite Being Eligible, n=90) 2%
7%
14%
13%
3%
3%
3%
48%
6%
Less than one year
One year
Two years
Three years
Four years
Five years
More than five years
My rent has never been raised
Don't know/Refused
11%
Of Eligible Renters Have
Never Had a Rent Increase
at Their Current Residence
23 For renters who received a rent
increase, most were under 10%.
Q24/Q25 Combined. To better understand the experience of Burbank residents, could you please tell me the total rent of your residence, not just the portion you pay if you share the rent with others. Your best guess is fine.
Q25. And how much was your total rent before your most recent rent increase? Again, this is the total rent of your residence, not just the portion you pay if you share the rent with others. Your best guess is fine. (Open-ended; Renters Who Received a Rent Increase/Provided Rent Change Amount, n=270) 15%
23%
32%
27%
4%
1%-3%
4%-5%
6%-9%
10+%
No increase
24 Over half of renters pay their rent alone.
Asked of Renters Only
Live Alone/
Pay Alone
54%
Two Pay
42%
3+ Pay
4%
25 Three out of four renters who live/pay rent alone
pay more than $1,500 a month. Half of those who
share the rent are paying less than $1,500 a month.
Q44. In order to understand the experience of renters, please tell me how much you personally pay in rent each month. If you share the rent with others, please indicate your share of the rent only. If you do not pay any rent, please indicate that instead. Asked of Renters Only Live Alone 2+ Rental Household
0%
4%
12%
30%
26%
9%
5%
2%
2%
3%
5%
$500 or less
$501 to $1,000
$1,001 to $1,500
$1,501 to $2,000
$2,001 to $2,500
$2,501 to $3,000
$3,001 to $3,500
$3,501 to $4,000
$4,001 or more
Do not pay any rent
Don't know/Refused
0%
22%
34%
17%
9%
6%
1%
1%
3%
2%
3%
26 Resident Landlord Experiences
and Characteristics
27 Seven in 10 Burbank resident landlords say that
maintenance costs for their rental property/
properties have gone up in the last 12 months.
Q26. Did the cost of maintaining your rental property or properties go up in the last 12 months or not? Asked of Resident Landlords Only Yes
71%
No
19%
Don't
Know/
Refused
11%
Did the cost of maintaining your rental property or properties go up in the last 12 months or not? 28 One in four residential landlords report that
they had tenants who did not pay their full
rent at some point in the last 12 months.
Q27. Asked of Resident Landlords Only
Yes
24%
No
71%
Don't
Know/
Refused
5%
Have you had residential tenants who did not pay their full rent at any point in the last 12 months? 29 Low proportions of resident landlords rely
heavily on their rental income.
Q28. Asked of Resident Landlords Only
In the last 12 months, approximately what percent of the income you live on came from the rent you collect from your residential rental unit or units? 27%
20%
22%
7%
4%
6%
14%
Less than 10%
10% to under 25%
25% to under 50%
50% to under 75%
75% to under 100%
100%
Don't know/Refused
30 Two out of three resident landlords
surveyed rent out single-family homes.
Q29. Which of the following types of residential rental properties do you own in the City of Burbank? Please indicate all that apply to you.
Asked of Resident Landlords Only
(Multiple Responses Accepted)
14%
11%
14%
66%
10%
1%
4%
7%
Apartment building with four or less units
Apartment building with more than four units
Townhome or condominium
Single-family home
ADU or guest house
A live/work loft
Something else
Don't know/Refused
31 Four in 10 resident landlords raised the rent in the last 12 months — with those owning more than one
unit more likely to have done so.
Q32 & Q33. Asked of Resident Landlords Only
27% 64% 8%Landlords owning 1 unit (n=68)
Increased Stayed the Same Decreased No Continuing Tenants in Last 12 Months Don’t Know/Refused 28% 30% 41%Landlords Owning 2+ unit (n=64)
Yes, Increased on all Yes, Increased on Some No, Did Not Increase Don’t Know/Refused 42% of All Landlords Raised Rent on Continuing Tenants in Last 12 Months 32 Three out of four resident landlords who
raised rent increased it by 9% or less.
Q36. On average, what percent was the rent increased on continuing tenants in the last 12 months? Your best guess is fine. (Asked Among Resident Landlords Who Increased Rent on All or Some Tenants, n=33) 9%
46%
20%
16%
4%
6%
Less than 3%
3% to 5%
6% to 9%
10% to 15%
15% to 100%
Don't know/Refused
City of Burbank
Rent Cap Issues Survey
320-1169