Albany Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) Meeting on New Renter Protections

The City of Albany is moving quickly toward adopting a local “Tenant Protection Program” that could dramatically change how you manage your rental property.

At this Thursday's Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) meeting on October 16th at 7pm, city staff will present recommendations that could lead to:

• Creation of a rental registry funded by Rental Owners
• Expansion of rent stabilization or just cause eviction policies
• Mandatory legal assistance for renters, funded by the city
• New education and outreach programs funded by Rental Owners
• Potential changes to the existing Rent Review Program, which could evolve into an enforceable rent control structure, funded by Rental Owners

If these recommendations move forward, they will form the basis of a report to the Albany City Council for possible adoption of a new Tenant Protection Ordinance. This will impose new costs, data reporting requirements, and additional regulations on housing providers.

EBRHA’s Position:

We strongly believe that new regulations are unnecessary and harmful, especially when Albany already operates a rent review program and requires all rental owners to hold a business license. Instead of more bureaucracy, the City should focus on education, mediation, and voluntary compliance.

Immediate Action Needed:

Attend the HAC meeting and make your voice heard. Even if you don't have property in Albany, these laws will spread to all cities if we don't stop them now. Plus, share how new rules like a rent registry or expanded eviction restrictions negatively impact your ability to provide housing.

HAC Meeting: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Albany City Hall, 1000 San Pablo Ave. (Council Chambers)

Virtual Access: https://albanyca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6fOsF5ouS_e9B6eX6HbIsA

Talking Points:

• Albany’s current Rent Review Program already provides a fair process for resolving rent concerns.
• A new registry would increase administrative costs and risk exposure of private information.
• Local “tenant protection” measures duplicate state laws like AB 1482 (rent caps and just cause).
• Legal aid programs must be balanced. Both renters and property owners deserve equal access.
• Mandatory mediation is 80% effective and 90% cheaper than lawyers.

EBRHA will continue to monitor this issue closely and advocate for policies that protect housing providers’ rights and support fair, effective housing solutions.

Please make time to attend this meeting and submit public comment. Your voice is crucial in stopping another unnecessary regulatory expansion.