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enforcement process in place for rental housing, with multiple departments responsible for enforcing laws that were enacted to ensure that rental housing is safe and affordable.” The 24-month timeline for program development and implementation calls for a draft ordinance in 18 months followed by a 6-month program implementation period.
Among the objectives outlined: (i) require property inspections once every four years, with some properties to be subject to inspection every two years, (ii) provide for complaint-based inspections, effective enforcement mechanisms, notices, fines, and penalties for non- compliance, and (iii) provide for a rent escrow program “to ensure that properties that enter escrow do not remain in escrow indefinitely.” It is anticipated that the County will also explore enabling the County or qualified nonprofits to acquire such rental properties in certain egregious cases. The motion also directs County Staff to work with key stakeholders including rental housing providers and to provide a progress report on the status of the matter in six months. The Association will actively engage with the County on these matters, strongly advocate for our members interests and provide updates.
Bell Gardens Takes Further Steps in the Advancement of Local Rent Control
At the April 11th City Council meeting, City Staff presented an update on the City’s consideration of a local rent control ordinance. Staff discussed how the issue was first raised by non-profit organizations, the meetings conducted by the City’s re-established Rent Control Ad Hoc Committee and two public workshops that were conducted one in 2021 and most recently in March 2022 to which a member of the Association was a panelist, and the key takeaways that were obtained through the workshops.
Following City Council deliberation, the Council directed staff to have the Rent Control Ad Hoc Committee continue discussions on a local rent control ordinance that would include limiting annual rent increases to a maximum of 5% based on 100% of the CPI and establishment of a
rent control board and return with a draft ordinance for the Council’s consideration. Staff were also directed to return at the next City Council meeting with an urgency ordinance prohibiting rent increases as the City works to draft a rent control ordinance.
Prior to the City Council meeting, the Association along with coalition members voiced strong opposition to the City’s consideration of local rent control and urged the City Council to consider suggested alternative solutions to address the City’s concerns. We will continue to monitor this issue closely, engage with the City, advocate for our members interests, and provide updates.
Beverly Hills City Council to Adopt an Ordinance Ending the City’s Local Eviction Moratorium and Rent Increase Freeze on May 31, 2022
At the April 12th City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance on 1st reading, to end the City’s local eviction moratorium and rent increase freeze on May 31, 2022, allow for a maximum rent increase of up to 3.10% after the moratorium ends and start the clock for the one-year repayment period for back rent owed which would have to be paid by May 31, 2023. The 3.10% is reflective of the permissible rent increase that would have been allowed for in 2019-2020. As a procedural matter, the ordinance must be voted on a second time prior to adoption.
The City Council has also been discussing establishing a phased-in process for rental housing providers to recover previously missed rent increases. At this time, the Council has not made any final decision on the matter beyond allowing the 3.10% increase, as they are awaiting the May 1, 2021 to May 1, 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) to be released on June 12th to determine next steps relative to any further permissible rent increases. It is anticipated that the Council will return on June 21st to discuss future permissible rent increases. On a related matter, the City Council previously discussed and are exploring the establishment of a City funded means tested rent increase assistance program. It is anticipated that the Council will
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