pages: CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2022-03-01 | 20 | Housing Secure Emergency Rental Assistance Program; stated the application is online and able to be found by searching Alameda Housing Secure; the application is intended for tenants who have been affected by COVID-19 and are behind on their rent or utilities; the program can pay up to 15 months of rent as well as past-due utility payments; landlords may also apply directly to the program; ultimately, both parties need to cooperate in the process since documentation is required from tenants; landlords have to receive and validate information provided by the tenants. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the process can be accessed and utilized by landlords; however, cooperation with tenants is required; the threshold for documentation is low and includes self- attestation; the program pays 12 months of back rent and three months of forward rent and utility payments. Councilmember Daysog inquired which cities have resumed payment. Greg Kats, AHA, stated staff has looked at East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Berkeley and Los Angeles. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether Mountain View and East Palo Alto had allowed rent increases. Mr. Kats responded that he would have to look into the matter. The Interim Base Reuse Manager stated only Los Angeles and Oakland are not allowing increases. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether tenants were consulted and the reason behind the lack of consultation. The Interim Base Reuse Manager responded the impetus was landlords providing public comment in December 2021; stated Council directed staff to present alternatives; staff shared the presentation with landlord representatives, stakeholders and tenants. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the staff recommendation allows a 2.7% rent increase and any capturing of banked increases will occur when the pandemic is over. The Interim Base Reuse Manager responded in the affirmative; stated staff reviewed different alternatives; Council can approve the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) rent increases or de- couple the AGA rent increases plus banked rent increases; staff is recommending de-coupling AGA rent increases from the emergency rent ordinance; the action would allow landlords to begin raising rents up to the current AGA of 2.7%. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether capturing of the banked increase would only occur when the pandemic is officially declared over. The Interim Base Reuse Manager responded banked increases are still tied to the emergency ordinance; staff is not recommending untying banked increases from the emergency ordinance. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether staff's recommendation is only the increase of 2.7%, to which the Interim Base Reuse Manager responded in the affirmative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 1, 2022 18 | CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf |