The Pacifica City Council will consider rent control during a study session Saturday, reflecting a growing push for punitive rent restrictions in Northern California.
In addition to demanding rent control, tenant advocates will likely call for a just-cause eviction ordinance. Such a measure would make it more difficult to evict problem tenants, stifling your ability to protect your residents and properties. The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Ingrid B. Lacey Middle School.
The California Apartment Association will make a presentation on the dynamics of the rental market and practical ways for the city to address its housing crisis.
While it’s important that the City Council hear from CAA staff, it’s just as vital that officials hear from property owners.
CAA asks that members of the rental housing industry to attend this study session to make their voices heard. Council members need to see and hear from the community members their policies will effect. Tenant advocates and renters will be there, so make sure you are there, too.
Some talking points:
- The City Council should be willing to work with rental property owners to develop programs and incentives to help residents.
- As members of the community, property owners have invested in Pacifica, and the city should not punish them for doing so.
- People invest in rental property to save for their retirement and send their children to college. For many, these rental properties are an owner’s nest egg.
- The City Council should focus on creating more housing opportunities in Pacifica — NOT rent control.
- Rent control is the wrong approach. It has negative effects on the local economy and has not worked in any city where it’s been adopted.
- Rent control does nothing to address the housing shortage; it will not make housing less expensive.
- Rent control will discourage rental property owners from maintaining their properties.