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Community leaders gathered in front of City Hall Tuesday afternoon to turn in signatures for a petition they say would lead to a historical rent control measure ahead of November’s election.
The group stated that the measure, titled the “Fair and Affordable Housing Ordinance,” would help alleviate the city’s “skyrocketing” rents by implementing rent control and tenant protections that ensure a ‘fair return’ for small-scale landlords.
“This effort was led by those who would be most affected by this measure, such as the migrant community within Redwood City,” said Clara Jaeckel, an eight-year resident of the city and leader with the community-based organization Faith In Action.
Martha Beetley, a member of the group and a supporter of the initiative, emphasized the importance of voting Yes. She explained that it would enable firefighters, housekeepers, teachers, and others to live in the community instead of having to commute.
“I was shocked to see the prices of rent upon moving here from Davis,” the seven year long resident said.
Organizers said the initiative was supported by at least 20 organizations, including SEIU Local 521, the San Mateo Anti-Displacement Coalition and Woodside Road United Methodist Church.
The initiative aims to enforce stricter rent control on units constructed prior to Feb. 1, 1995. Rent would be set at the level paid on December 11, 2023 or the initial rate for units occupied after that date. Annual rent increases would be restricted to 60% of the local Consumer Price Index rise, with a maximum limit of 5%.
The measure also introduces stricter criteria for “just cause” evictions, mandating that landlords offer relocation assistance equal to four times the monthly fair market rent or $8,000, whichever is higher, for no-fault evictions. Tenants aged 62 or older would receive an additional $4,000. Hotels, inns and motels housing homeless people for under 30 days would be exempt.
An annual fee for landlords would go towards administrative fees for the City to set the annual allowable rent increase, conduct hearings on rent petitions, review tenant safety plans, issue regulations, and educate the community about the initiative.
Some groups, such as the California Apartment Association, feel the initiative is unnecessary and does not comply with the California Election Codes. They claim it does not properly inform voters that existing protections would be repealed if it were to pass.
“The California Apartment Association opposes efforts to bring stricter rent control to California communities, including Redwood City,” said Joshua Howard, Executive Vice President of the CAA.
“Redwood City already offers robust renter protections, ensuring that most renters have the right to a fixed-term lease and receive relocation assistance if asked to move through no fault of their own.”
The association filed a letter with the City Clerk, City Attorney, and City Manager, urging them to reject the initiative appearing on the ballot.
The deadline to submit petitions for measures to appear on the November ballot is Aug. 9, which the group said it intentionally did months in advance. The group submitted 6,395 signatures, with the City’s minimum to appear on a ballot being 4,389.
