The number of people living permanently in RVs in California has surged due to high housing costs. According to CNBC, a shadow rental market for old RVs has emerged, with owners renting them out without contracts. The New York Post calls these owners "vanlords."
In Santa Clara County, the share of homeless people sleeping in vehicles rose from 18% in 2019 to 37% in 2025. Authorities in San Jose have created a free, guarded parking lot with 86 spaces and showers, requiring occupants to seek permanent housing, but demand exceeds supply.