Concord City Council Moves to Amend Tenant Protection Ordinance Following Advocacy Efforts
Concord City Council Moves to Amend Tenant Protection Ordinance Following Advocacy Efforts
On February 25, 2025, the relentless advocacy efforts of the East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA), California Apartment Association (CAA), and local rental housing providers prompted the Concord City Council to take the first step toward amending its problematic rent control ordinance. After hearing from over 150 rental housing providers and receiving more than 250 letters from concerned property owners and community members, the council directed staff to draft amendments to the Residential Tenant Protection Program, which was initially implemented on April 19, 2024.
Key Proposed Amendments:
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Adjustment to Rent Cap: The City Council tentatively approved an increase to the annual allowable rent increase, shifting from the restrictive 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (currently 2.52%) to a flat 5%. This aligns Concord’s policy more closely with rent stabilization laws in cities like San Jose and Hayward.
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Council Member Pablo Benavente initially proposed a more flexible approach, suggesting a cap of CPI + 5%, not to exceed 7%, to better account for rising operational costs.
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Council Member Laura Hoffmeister seconded Benavente’s proposal, showing initial support for a more accommodating cap.
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However, Mayor Carlyn Obringer advocated for a flat 5% cap, which ultimately gained majority support.
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Exemption for Certain Rental Homes from Just Cause Eviction Regulations: The council also moved to apply Just Cause eviction regulations only to single-family homes and condominiums for individuals who own three or more such units in Concord. Rental owners who own two or fewer of these property types would be exempt. Under current regulations, all rented single-family homes and condominiums were subject to Just Cause eviction rules.
Next Steps:
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March 25, 2025: The City Council will hold a public hearing and cast the official vote on these amendments. Public comment is encouraged.
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April 22, 2025: If approved on March 25, the ordinance will undergo a second reading.
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May 22, 2025: If passed, the amended ordinance will take effect 30 days after the second reading.
Call to Action:
EBRHA urges all rental housing providers to attend the March 25 hearing and continue advocating for additional reforms to fully address the challenges created by Concord’s rent control law. Nothing is finalized until the ordinance is formally approved, and your voice is crucial in ensuring balanced housing policies.
Additionally, EBRHA encourages members to send thank-you letters to the City Council at citycouncil@cityofconcord.org, recognizing Council Member Pablo Benavente for his leadership and the council for taking steps toward revising the ordinance.
Background on the Residential Tenant Protection Program:
Implemented in April 2024, the program increased Just Cause eviction protections, expanded the city’s rent registry, and established a rent stabilization program aimed at minimizing displacement while ensuring rental housing providers receive a fair return on investment. However, as EBRHA has consistently pointed out, state law (AB 1482) already provides comprehensive rent control and eviction protections, making Concord’s extreme regulations harmful and unnecessary.
With these recent developments, EBRHA remains committed to advocating for fair and sustainable housing policies in Concord. For more details on the Residential Tenant Protection Program, visit the City of Concord’s website at www.cityofconcord.org/RentProgram.