pages: CityCouncil/2017-04-04.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2017-04-04 | 10 | Mayor Spencer stated Council needs to address the non-primary residence scenario. Councilmember Oddie stated the issue was raised by Paul Foreman. The Community Development Director stated Mr. Foreman's point is relocation benefits should be paid regardless of the length of a fixed term lease. Councilmember Matarrese stated the intent of the ordinance is to have relocation fees at the end of tenancy; fixed term leases provide a work around. The Community Development Director stated a tenant on a fixed term lease should understand the lease ends and moving out is not no cause or no fault; landlords offering a bunch of short term fixed term leases is a lot of work to avoid paying relocation benefits. Councilmember Matarrese inquired whether said leases are occurring, to which the Community Development Director responded the Program Administrator has been informed of instances. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the tenant could ask for a three month lease, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the lease could be no more than one year, to which the Assistant City Attorney responded both parties have to agree on the amount of time. Mayor Spencer stated that she would not want short fixed term leases to go beyond one year; after one year, the lease should become a regular lease. Councilmember Oddie stated the loophole needs to be closed; staff's proposal creates another loophole. The Assistant City Attorney inquired whether Councilmember Oddie is proposing relocation benefits be paid at the end of fixed term leases. Councilmember Oddie responded fixed term leases can be abused; questioned whether tenants know to ask for an evergreen lease and whether tenants would be able to get evergreen leases in large apartment buildings; stated the issue is the definition of fixed term lease. The Assistant City Attorney stated if Council decides to require relocation benefits for 12 month fixed term leases, then everyone would start doing 11 month fixed term leases. Councilmember Oddie stated perhaps the requirement could be that every renewal offer be for one year, which the tenant could reject. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 April 4, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-04-04.pdf |