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A grassroots effort led by community members, including low-income immigrant leaders from Faith in Action Bay Area, has gathered more than 7,000 signatures supporting a new rent control and tenant protection measure.
The proposed “Redwood City Fair and Affordable Housing Initiative” aims to implement stricter rent control laws and enhanced tenant eviction protections.
On Tuesday, May 21, at 3 p.m., a delegation of community leaders will submit the collected signatures to the San Mateo County clerk, aiming to qualify the initiative for the November ballot. A press conference is scheduled at 2:20 p.m., followed by the delivery of the signatures.
The initiative would impose stricter rent control on units built before Feb. 1, 1995, capping rent at the amount paid on Dec. 11, 2023, or the initial rate for units occupied after that date. Annual rent increases would be limited to 60% of the local Consumer Price Index increase, with a maximum cap of 5%.
The measure also proposes stricter requirements for “just cause” evictions, requiring landlords to provide relocation assistance equal to four times the monthly fair market rent or $8,000, whichever is greater, for no-fault evictions. Tenants aged 62 or older would receive an additional $4,000.
Other provisions include requiring landlords to submit tenant safety plans for approval before performing repairs or renovations, prohibiting certain actions in bad faith, and establishing remedies for violations, including monetary damages.
The City would be responsible for setting the annual allowable rent increase, conducting hearings on rent petitions, reviewing tenant safety plans, issuing regulations, and educating the community about the initiative. An annual fee on landlords would cover the costs of administering the initiative.
If the signatures are verified, Redwood City residents can vote on the measure on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024.
An ill advised proposal for voter approval in November.