pages: CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf, 14
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2015-11-04 | 14 | 494 RRAC to the landlord; expressed support for setting the increase at 8%; stated real data would be gathered because landlords would have to go to the RRAC for an increase above 8%; the increase could be null and void if the matter does not go through the RRAC process; she would like to continue to strengthen the RRAC; property owners should be required to attend the RRAC meetings, not property managers; that she supports a moratorium for increases above 8%; she would prefer to have the increase not average above 8% for the last two years, rather than one year; questioned whether additional costs via additional fees could be included in the percentage increase; stated no fault evictions, which are not subject to Costa Hawkins, should also go through the RRAC process; evictions for anyone current on rent should have to go through the RRAC process; the decision should be appealable to Council; the RRAC should be strengthened; the burden should be shifted to landlords; an eviction without cause, such as selling the property or moving back into the house, should receive a percentage of rent for relocation assistance; the formula could be based on the number of years the tenant occupied the unit combined with the rent amount; she would keep the composition of the RRAC the same and continue with the same process. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated Alameda residents have been experiencing an upswing of excessive rent and 30 or 60 day terminations of tenancy; that he would like to give the new regulations adopted October 1, 2015 an opportunity to work and mediating rent increases; there is a hole; the RRAC's role should be expanded to include 30 or 60 day no fault terminations; the mediation process should incorporate a buyout option; he would also like to see affordable housing expanded, without over building, including amnesty for illegal residential units which could be deed restricted for affordable units; he agrees with a moratorium, which should be unconditional other than appeals to the City Council; the moratorium should not allow any increase; staff should take more than 65 days to address his amnesty suggestion; also suggested exploring tax credits for rent paid concurrent with the other efforts; stated rather than a sunset, there should be reevaluation by Council; expressed support for the current composition of the RRAC; suggested training be provided for the RRAC and the $1.6 million in boomerang funds be reviewed to examine the current programmed budget versus using the funds to alleviate the rent problem. Mayor Spencer inquired what process Vice Mayor Matarrese supports for rent increases, to which Vice Mayor Matarrese responded that he would like the October 1, 2015 ordinance expanded to add the 30 and 60 day not for cause evictions. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft read a section of the urgency ordinance which captures what she feels are the overarching goals; discussed involving landlords and tenants to reach the best solution; stated that she has three goals: 1) for renters to be provided residential security via a rent stabilization ordinance that enables landlord to receive a fair returns on their property while ensuring tenants have certainty that rents will not increase above a specific amount each year, including only one rent increase per year, 2) maintain quality rental housing stock and increase the quantity, especially affordable and multifamily, and 3) wanting to maintain the City's reputation as a fair and safe arena to live and do business; proposed whatever mechanism is put in place return to Council Special Meeting Alameda City Council November 4, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf |