Alameda's Rent Ordinance

Proposed Changes to Rent Control, Including Extending Eviction Protections to Section 8 Voucher Holders

At its September 3, 2019 meeting, the City Council will consider a revised rent control ordinance including:

Adding numerous definitions to the ordinance and clarifying what units are exempt from the ordinance;
Increasing the length of time from one year to three years that an owner must reside in the unit following move in;
Tying permanent relocation payments to fair market rents;
Eliminating trading extra time in the unit for a reduction in relocation payments;
Requiring a relocation payment if a rent increase is more than 10% and the tenant decides to vacate rather than pay the increase;
Permitting buyout agreements;
Allowing landlords to pass through 50% of the rent program fee without being included in the calculation of a rent increase; and
Extending eviction protections to Section 8 voucher holders.

The City Council will also consider a proposed fair housing ordinance that would prohibit discrimination, including for source of income (including Section 8), age, disability, and family status, and would prohibit tenant harassment and lockouts.

To review recent and proposed policy changes to Alameda’s Rent Stabilization Program and the proposed ordinance, please join us for a community meeting:

WHAT: Community meeting regarding Alameda’s rent ordinance and upcoming fair housing and anti-discrimination laws

WHERE: Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, Stafford Room

WHEN: August 29, 2019, 6-7:30 pm

Please contact the Rent Stabilization Program with questions at rrac@alamedahsg.org, visit them online at www.alamedarentprogram.org, or call 510-747-7520.