News: Contra Costa
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The latest incarnation of Richmond’s rent control ordinance would have tenants and landlords sharing the administrative costs of the program.
An earlier version of the ordinance, passed July 21, would have required landlords to bankroll the rent control program on their own, even if they have no rent controlled units. Administering rent control is expected to cost Richmond up to $2.2 million per year. Landlords would be billed between $170 and $230 per unit annually.
At a special meeting Friday, however, Vice Mayor Jael Myrick proposed allowing property owners to pass 40 percent of those costs to tenants.
“We should… Read More
The Richmond City Council will hold a special meeting at 6 tonight to implement rent control and just-cause eviction more quickly than previously planned.
The council had decided to implement rent control effective Dec. 1, but this past Tuesday, a council member proposed fast-tracking the ordinance so it would take effect in September. See video
Since the council is entering its August recess, the move triggered the need for a series of special meetings.
Assuming the council approves rent control tonight with an earlier start date — the four votes needed to do so are there — it would then… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra Costa
Owners of rental property in Richmond will soon face a cap on rent increases and find it harder to evict problem tenants.
On the evening of Tuesday July 21, the City Council approved a rent control and just-cause ordinance on a 4-1 vote. At the time of the decision, Mayor Tom Butt and Councilman Vinay Pimple had left the meeting, having been denied an opportunity to speak about the proposal.
That denial came when Councilwoman Gayle McLaughlin successfully pushed to halt debate and hasten a vote [see video] following Vice Mayor Jael Myrick’s announcement that he would support rent control,… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra Costa
In just four days, the Richmond City Council will again take up a proposal to institute rent control and a just-cause eviction ordinance.
CAA is calling on its members with property in Richmond to attend the Tuesday, July 21, meeting and argue against these flawed policies.
As they have in recent meetings, tenant advocates Tuesday will likely make impassioned pleas for rent control and a just-cause eviction ordinance, while arguing against the creation of a rent mediation board, the most sensible option under consideration.
It’s imperative that CAA and its members continue to dispell the myths surrounding rent control and… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra CostaSolano
As the push to adopt rent control and just-cause eviction in Richmond gains traction, it’s vital that members of the rental housing industry band together and voice their objections.
Members can fight these flawed policies by either emailing City Council members or attending the Tuesday, July 21, council meeting.
Advocates for rent control certainly will mount a show of force, wearing yellow shirts, carrying signs and raring to testify. They’ll come from groups such as the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization, Tenants Together and labor unions.
The California Apartment Association’s membership must also… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra CostaSolano
It’s time to recognize excellence in the rental housing industry in regions throughout California.
Southern California: Mission Awards
Members of the San Diego Division of CAA, the deadline is 5 p.m. today to submit nominations for the Mission Awards.
That gives you just a few hours to make nominations.
Know someone deserving acknowledgement for excellence in work performance? Click below and get nominating.
Northern California: GEMM Awards
Members of the Contra Costa, Napa and Solano Division, your deadline is Friday, July 3, to nominate for the CAA Greater East Bay GEMM Awards. Honor those who demonstrate excellence in the rental… Read More
Demands are mounting for rent control, “just cause” eviction laws and other assaults on rental housing. Click the logo above to make a political contribution and help CAA protect you.
Tagged: Political Action Contra CostaSolano
In the face of California’s lingering drought, water rates are going up in Antioch, and sewer-rate increases could be on tap for the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.
On Tuesday, May 19, the Antioch City Council approved changes to its water and sewer rate schedule. The changes take effect July 1. This article in the Contra Costa Times explains how the rate adjustments will work. Notably, sewer rates for apartments will go down the first year, while rates for single-family homes will climb.
On June 4, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District board will hold a public hearing on its… Read More
Tagged: Utility Rates Contra Costa
The Lafayette City Council on Monday will discuss a proposed emergency moratorium that would limit rent increases.
Lafayette is pondering such a move after the new owner of an apartment building, faced with costly renovations, imposed major rent hikes.
Residents, confronted with substantial rent increases for the first time in years, complained to the city.
The moratorium could initially last 45 days and then could be extended twice, bringing the maximum possible duration of the emergency measure to two years, according to this memo from the city attorney.
Besides the temporary moratorium, Lafayette is considering whether to pursue permanent rent… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra Costa
Amid temporary landlord concessions, the vice mayor of Richmond on Tuesday night removed his proposal for short-term emergency rent control from the City Council agenda.
Vice Mayor Jael Myrick pulled the proposal after receiving numerous letters from local rental owners who voluntarily offered to hold rent increases on existing residents to no more than 10 percent while the California Apartment Association and the city pursue a permanent solution to the city’s housing issues.
In light of local owners’ commitment to limit rent increases, it was obvious that Myrick would lack the necessary six votes to pass the emergency ordinance.
Despite… Read More
Tagged: Rent Control Contra Costa