Oakland Community & Economic Development Committee

The City of Oakland Community & Economic Development Committee is scheduled to consider significant amendments to the Rent Adjustment Ordinance (RAO) and its implementing regulations at its upcoming meeting on:

Tuesday, March 24th at 1:30 p.m.

These proposed changes could have major implications for rental housing providers in Oakland, and EBRHA is urging housing providers to attend this meeting and make their voices heard.

City leaders need to understand how these policy changes may impact the ability of housing providers to operate rental housing fairly and sustainably. Your presence matters.

What the Proposed Amendments Would Do

The proposed legislation includes several key changes to the Rent Adjustment Program (RAP):

1. Expand the Timeframe for Rent Petitions

The proposal would allow renters to file rent adjustment petitions at any time during their tenancy, instead of within the current time limits:

• 180 days to contest a rent increase
• 90 days to claim a decrease in housing services

The three-year limit on restitution awards under the Residential Rent Adjustment Ordinance would remain in place. The amendment would also prevent retroactive claims on issues that are already time-barred under current rules.

2. New Requirements for Housing Providers During Appeals

If a housing provider files an appeal—or responds to a renter appeal—and the information was not already submitted during the petition process, the owner would be required to provide evidence of:

• A current City of Oakland business license
• Payment of, or exemption from, the RAP service fee
• Service of the RAP Notice to affected renters
• Registration with the Rent Adjustment Program

3. Changes to Enforcement and Damages

The amendments would also modify the remedies section of the ordinance, including:

• Increasing damages available in civil court actions against housing providers
• Allowing attorney fees and litigation costs
• Permitting direct enforcement of RAP implementing regulations

These provisions could significantly increase the financial and legal risks associated with rent disputes.

4. Changes to Rent Board Leadership Rules

The proposal would remove the current restriction that limits the Rent Board chair and vice chair to undesignated members, allowing representatives designated for housing providers or renters to serve in these leadership roles.

Why Your Participation Matters

Policies affecting rental housing should be shaped with input from the people who actually provide housing in our communities. Decisions made at City Hall can have real consequences for housing stability, property operations, and the long-term availability of rental housing in Oakland.

That is why EBRHA is asking housing providers to attend the March 24 Committee meeting and share your perspective on these proposed changes.

When policymakers hear directly from rental owners and property managers, it helps ensure that policies reflect real-world housing operations and the goal of maintaining stable housing for renters.

Committee Meeting Information

• Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
• Oakland City Hall
• Public comment will be accepted during the meeting.

Stay Engaged

EBRHA will continue monitoring these proposed amendments and advocating on behalf of rental housing providers across the East Bay.

If you have questions about the proposed changes or need guidance on how to participate in the meeting, please reach out to the EBRHA team.

Together, we can help ensure that housing policies remain balanced, workable, and supportive of stable rental housing in Oakland.

Thank you for staying engaged.