San Leandro Rules Committee Considers Rent Stabilization: EBRHA Advocates for Balanced Approach

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the San Leandro City Council’s Rules Committee convened to deliberate on potential rent stabilization measures. Councilmembers Juan González, Xouhoa Bowen, and Bryan Simon led the meeting, which attracted approximately 30 attendees, predominantly rental housing providers.

During the public comment segment, many rental housing providers voiced concerns about the city's interest in implementing a rent control ordinance. They highlighted potential unintended consequences, such as reduced housing availability and increased rents, drawing parallels to outcomes observed in other municipalities with stringent rent control policies.

Following public input, the councilmembers engaged in discussions exploring various rental control scenarios. Their conversations underscored the complexities of housing policy and revealed areas where further expertise and understanding are needed. Ultimately, the committee directed Housing & Community Development (HCD) Director Tom Liao and city staff to develop a comprehensive proposal by mid to late July for further council review.

In anticipation of this proposal, the East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) is developing a policy framework for Director Liao aimed at ensuring any rent stabilization ordinance HCD proposed remains clear, balanced, and administratively feasible. Key recommendations include:

1. Alignment with State Law (AB 1482): Adopt local policies consistent with California’s existing statewide rent cap and just cause eviction protections to avoid redundancy and confusion.
   
   

2. Rent Review Board Oversight: Implement a system where rent increases exceeding AB 1482 caps are subject to review by a local Rent Review Board, allowing for flexibility and consideration of legitimate cost increases.
   
   

3. Income-Based Eligibility: Ensure rental assistance and stabilization measures target those most in need by applying income-based eligibility requirements, such as qualifying at or below the area median income (AMI).
   
   

4. Emergency Support Programs: Establish funds to assist renters facing hardship and provide repair assistance for small rental housing providers dealing with urgent maintenance needs, both administered through transparent application processes.
   
   

5. Flexible Inspection Options: Offer a risk-based inspection program with multiple approaches, including renter self-certification, licensed inspections every two years, or randomized city inspections, to maintain housing standards without overburdening providers.
   
   

6. Capital Improvement Pass-Throughs: Allow property owners to apply for reasonable rent increases to cover verified capital improvements, ensuring the continued quality and habitability of rental units.
   
   

7. Avoidance of a Rent Registry: Leverage existing data sources, such as county assessor records and business license information, to gather necessary housing data without the need for a costly and burdensome rent registry system.
   
   

EBRHA remains committed to collaborating with the City of San Leandro to develop policies that protect renters while ensuring the sustainability of rental housing providers. We believe that through informed dialogue and practical solutions, the city can address housing challenges effectively and equitably.