pages: CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2015-11-04 | 15 | 495 for a review in a year after data is gathered; stated tenants expressed they are afraid to ask landlords to make basic repairs because they fear rent increases; questioned how said tenants should be expected to go to the RRAC and face their landlords when the RRAC can only make a suggestion; stated the RRAC members have to be given tools to be able to carry out responsibilities effectively; RRAC hearings should not be in the Chambers; mediation should be done around a table; when the RRAC has no teeth, people will not risk rocking the boat [by submitting a case]; questioned whether public shaming would really work on landlords imposing 20 to 50% rent increases; stated more is needed than the RRAC; she would like to staff to work on some form of rent stabilization; noted San Jose is considering lowering its cap to 8%; stated that she is okay with an 8% cap to start because landlords who have kept the tenant burden down may not be able to maintain the housing stock; remedies should be simple and administrative costs should be low based on the City's staff levels and budget; she is interested in landlords paying a registration fee to create funding and good records going forward; only one rent increase should be allowed per year; she would like to see vacancy decontrol to allow landlords to increase to market rate when tenants leave and a just cause eviction statute, which would probably be too large of a burden for the RRAC; there should be a mechanism to verify no fault evictions and related penalties; when landlords justly need units vacated; however, tenants should not bear the burden of relocations costs, such as moving and deposits; buildings under 4 units or with onsite landlords should not be excluded from rent stabilization; all renters should be protected fairly and equally across the board; expressed concern over requiring the property owner, rather than a representative, to attend the RRAC hearing. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, Councilmember Daysog stated that he thought he heard a consensus about just cause evictions. Mayor Spencer inquired Councilmember Daysog's position on rent increases. Councilmember Daysog responded that he would like excessive rent increases addressed through a relocation assistance program; stated the policy question is what is the triggering threshold; information he gathered indicates 10% is reasonable; 8% has been suggested; the amount can be worked out with all stakeholders when staff brings the matter back to Council. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Councilmember Daysog supports the RRAC. Councilmember Daysog responded the RRAC should oversee the process and determine the final amount to award for relocation, which could be based on a formula; noted Richmond and Glendale formulas could be used; stated the RRAC decision could be appealed to Council. In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Councilmember Daysog stated that he is not proposing rent stabilization; he prefers relocation assistance and just cause eviction. Special Meeting Alameda City Council November 4, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf |