pages: CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2020-07-21 | 18 | without any input from the City and, therefore, will be contractual and not subject to unlawful detainer. Councilmember Oddie expressed concern about agreements being substituted for leases; noted there is unequal bargaining power between landlords and tenants; outlined a tenant being subject to eviction. The City Attorney stated the landlord cannot require a tenant to enter into an agreement; noted the agreement must be made voluntarily; should a landlord require such agreement, the requirement would violate the fair housing law. Expressed support for the extension of repayment; stated this action is a necessary component of the recent declaration of racism as a public health emergency given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of Color due to systemic racism in terms of work, health and housing; many renters are confused about their rights under the various ordinances; urged greater effort be made to inform tenants of legal rights and resources available; outlined communication difficulties; urged a mailing be sent out in multiple languages and no agreement be encouraged: Catherine Pauling, Alameda Renters Coalition. Discussed experience staffing a tenant-landlord counseling line; stated phones lines are flooded with calls from those unable to pay rent; noted leases are being broken; paying debt is quickly becoming overwhelming: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Urged Council to vote yes on the extension of the repayment period; stated the need for tenants to have protections is growing; urged Council to consider the strategy of translating the unpaid rent into consumer debt as adopted by other cities and counties: Grover Wehman-Brown, East Bay Housing Organization (EBHO). Expressed support for the matter; discussed experience as a renter and artist in Alameda; stated showing compassion to residents is important; urged Council to vote yes: Kevyn Lauren, Alameda. Urged Council to vote yes on the extension; stated it is important to protect renters: Alexia Arocha, Alameda. Comment read into the record: Stated property owners are not the bankers of tenants; stated it is up to the City to pay rents through subsidized payments: Rosalinda Corvi, Alameda. Councilmember Oddie moved introduction of the ordinance, giving direction to staff to return with an ordinance which will allow the City to treat any side agreements and unpaid rent as consumer debt. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 12 July 21, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf |