Rent Review Board Feasibility Study

As outlined in the Housing Element portion of the City’s General Plan, the City will analyze the feasibility of a rent review board. The City’s Social & Economic Justice Commission has begun discussing options for consideration by the City Council regarding the feasibility of creating a rent review board to mediate instances of rapid rent increases.

Rent review is different from rent control in that the focus is on mediation rather than administration of annual limits on rent increases. The program is based on the use of mediation and non-binding arbitration provided in a neutral setting to work jointly to respond to complaints.

On October 17, 2016 Council reviewed the following timeline for the preparation of an ordinance to implement a rent review board with non-binding mediation:

October - Staff preparation of an outline of key elements of a rent review ordinance
November 16, 2016 - Public workshop to receive feedback on draft key elements
Click here for PDF of Public Notice of Workshop on Draft Key Elements of a Rent Review Board Ordinance
For those who are interested in participating in the workshop but unable to attend, an online survey is available.
December 5, 2016 - Present key elements to City Council for direction

BACKGROUND:

The City's Social and Economic Justice Commission presented its recommendations for a Rent Review Board and a possible rent moratorium to Council on Monday, October 3, 2016.
Click here to view the meeting

Social and Economic Justice Commission Thursday, September 1, 2016,
Click here for a PDF of the meeting notice
Click here for the meeting agenda and supporting documentation
Click here to view the meeting   

To stay up-to-date on this issue, please sign up for e-notification on the City Website.  Once on the e-notification site, subscribe to Rent Review Feasibility Study located under News.

To view past meetings of the Social and Economic Justice Commission click here

To review previous meeting agendas and packets of the Social and Economic Justice Commission click here  

Rent Review program information:

Rent review programs in other cities

City of Alameda
City of Fremont
City of Los Gatos
City of San Leandro

Legal Guide - Rent Increases: Basic information for tenants