California Apartment Association

With the support of CAA, the San Jose City Council formed an advisory group to  explore possible changes to the city’s rent control ordinance.

“We feel that both sides working together and in public is the only way to ensure balanced representation, stakeholder and community input and accountability.”

— Joshua Howard, executive director of CAA Tri-County

Creation of the advisory group came Tuesday by a 9-2 vote and establishes a task force with both rental property owners and tenants who will seek sensible solutions to address the calls to amend San Jose’s rent control ordinance. The decision marks a victory for property owners that was overlooked in much of today’s media coverage.

The newly formed advisory committee will meet in public over the next few months to review information and consider possible recommendations to the council regarding its rent control policies.

This sets the stage for public dialogue among stakeholders on both sides of the rent control issue. Moreover, the California Apartment Association’s Tri-County Division will play a vital role in the group’s meetings.

A framework for open discussion is especially important as the council considers changes to its rent control ordinance that could cap rent increases at 4 percent (or lower) annually, instead of the current 8 percent, and consider an eviction for cause ordinance,  moves the city should not take lightly.

“We feel that both sides working together and in public is the only way to ensure balanced representation, stakeholder and community input and accountability,” said Joshua Howard, executive director of CAA Tri-County.

The city council rejected an alternative proposal calling for city staff to hold separate, closed-door meetings with property owners and tenants.

“We thank Vice Mayor Herrera and Councilman Khamis for their leadership and in not relenting,” Howard said. “They’ve been pushing for at least four months, and despite strong opposition, were able to secure the creation of this advisory board to keep the debate public.”

As the advisory board meets in the coming months, the city’s Housing Department will study the economic, legal, and financial implications of making any changes to the rent control ordinance. The advisory group is slated to make their recommendation to the City Council before the end of the year.