Representative Tran Introduces Legislation to Lower Housing Costs for Southern California Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) introduced the Housing Cost of Living Support for Tenants (COST) Act, to deliver relief to Southern California renters struggling with rising housing costs. The legislation creates comprehensive tax credits for renters, contributing to Representative Tran’s ongoing commitment to expand housing affordability.
“Housing costs across the country, especially in Southern California have reached a breaking point. Families are barely scraping by to pay rent, let alone save for the future,” said Representative Tran. “This bill would provide immediate, tangible relief to renters in need, helping them keep a roof over their heads, provide more room in their budgets for everyday expenses, or even save to buy a home. I am proud to lead this effort on behalf of all American families.”
Southern California families face some of the highest housing costs in the nation, with the average rent in Orange County being over $3,200 a month and skyrocketing almost 40% , since 2017.
The proposed legislation introduces a new, baseline 8% refundable tax credit for families who make a gross income of $150,000 or less, with a maximum household cap of $333 a month, totaling $4,000 a year. In California’s 45th Congressional  District, this would benefit over 75,000 households.
While other efforts to lower housing costs would take time to implement, this bill immediately puts money back in the hands of renters as they tackle the costs of groceries, medication, childcare, and other expenses.
This legislative push builds on Representative Tran’s record of delivering housing results for the region:
Rep. Tran secured $250,000 in federal funding to support the construction of 2,700 permanent affordable housing units across Orange County.
Tran cosponsored the Saving the American Dream Act to create an interagency task force on the housing crisis and the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to finance the building of more multifamily units.
Additionally, Rep. Tran voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law in July 2026 and works to speed up homebuilding and reduce regulatory red tape.
The full bill text can be found HERE.

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