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Local Advocacy Update
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eviction requirements, relocation fees, and would establish a costly Rental Housing Board.
At the May 9th, City Council meeting, the City Council received and accepted the certification and directed staff to prepare an impact report relative to the costs and effects of the measure on the City’s housing, if the voters approve the measure. It is anticipated that the report will be brought back for the City Council’s review at the July 11, 2022, City Council meeting. The Association is strongly opposed to rent control and will be strongly advocating against this ballot measure.
Santa Monica Rent Control Board Recommends Rent Control Charter Amendments for November 2022 Ballot
At the April 28th Santa Monica Rent Control Board meeting, the Board approved recommendations for the City Council’s consideration, for the inclusion of Rent Control Charter Amendments for placement on the November 2022 ballot to expand the City’s rental registration to non-rent controlled rental units and to impose additional requirements for tenancy terminations for owner move-in. It is up to the City Council to decide whether to accept, reject, or further modify the recommendations and placement of the initiative on the November 2022 Ballot.
The recommended amendments would require non- rent controlled rental units, exempting single family homes, in the City to register with the City and provide detailed information which could include “(i) occupancy status and commencement date of the current tenancy; (ii) the amount of rent the current tenant is paying; (iii) the reason the prior tenant vacated the unit, if known; (iv) the water/utility metering status of the unit; (v) the amenities provided with the tenancy; (vi) any changes in the ownership information; and (vii) any other information the City deems necessary.” Owners would also be required to pay registration fees, 50% of which could be passed through to renters.
The recommended proposed Charter Amendment would also extend the period in which an owner or the owner’s relative must occupy the unit in good faith based on a no-fault eviction from the current one-year period to a period of at least 3 years. Additionally, if the owner fails to reside in the unit for at least three years, they would be required to re-offer the unit back to the renter.
On a related matter, the Board is also discussing the feasibility of another rent control charter amendment to provide the Board with the authority to freeze rents under certain circumstances. Any recommendations made would require City Council approval for placement on the Ballot and ultimately subject to voter approval.
Ventura City Council to Consider an Ordinance Imposing Additional Requirements for Tenancy Terminations Based on Substantial Remodel of Residential Rental Property and to Explore Implementing a Rental Registry
At the April 25th Ventura City Council meeting, the Council approved a proposal to impose additional requirements beyond those required under State law, Assembly Bill 1482, when issuing a “no-fault” eviction to substantially remodel a residential rental property. The City Council also directed staff to explore implementation of a rental registry. It is anticipated that City Staff will return with a draft ordinance for the City Council consideration and potential adoption at the last City Council meeting in May.
The proposed ordinance may include requiring owners to have all necessary permits prior to issuing the tenancy termination notice based on substantial remodel, include copies of the permits with the notice of tenancy termination, additional relocation assistance and fines for violations. The City Attorney will also be evaluating whether the City can institute the draft ordinance retroactively.
This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions regarding your property or specific tenancies and the requirements of any local law changes described herein, please consult with an attorney.
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