Small Property Owner Representation Services (SPORS)
SPORS is here to assist small rental housing providers that are in a dispute with their renter, are pursuing an Oakland RAP claim, have a RAP claim against them from a renter, or there property is non-compliant with the City of Oakland.
This first-of-its-kind partnership with EBRHA and the City of Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program (RAP), is here to provide small rental property owner/operators with the assistance they need.
What Do You Need Assistance With?
Reasons Why A Rental Property is Non-Compliant:
- Failure to register the property or rental units with the required local rent registry or housing programs.
- Outstanding business license taxes, rental housing fees, inspection fees, or other city-required payments that place the property out of compliance.
- Deferred maintenance issues or habitability concerns, including code violations related to health, safety, plumbing, electrical systems, balconies, or common areas.
- Lack of awareness or understanding of constantly changing local rental housing laws, notice requirements, inspection mandates, or compliance deadlines.
Reasons Why Mediation is So Important:
- Mediation helps resolve disputes faster and more cost-effectively than lengthy court proceedings, saving both rental housing providers and renters significant time, stress, and legal expenses.
- It encourages communication and problem-solving between parties, often preserving housing stability and professional relationships that might otherwise completely break down during litigation.
- Many rental housing disputes involve misunderstandings, payment plans, maintenance concerns, or communication failures that can often be resolved through structured conversation before escalating further.
- Mediation provides a more flexible and collaborative process, allowing both parties to reach customized agreements that courts may not be able to offer.
- By reducing the number of cases entering the court system, mediation can help alleviate overcrowded dockets and reduce delays in unlawful detainer and housing-related proceedings.
- Successful mediation can improve compliance, reduce future conflicts, and create better long-term outcomes for both housing providers and renters by focusing on practical solutions instead of punishment.
- Additional occupants in the unit
- Banked rent increases over 10% (future year)
- Capital improvement pass-throughs
- Fair-return petitions
- Increased housing service costs (parking, laundry, etc.)
- Renter not using the unit as a principal residence / subleasing issues
- Uninsured repair costs you seek to pass through as a rent increase
Apply to SPORS Today
Qualified applicants should ensure they comply with local laws and ordinances that govern rental properties in Oakland. The SPORS program assists small, lower-income rental housing providers with compliance issues or pursuing an Oakland RAP claim or having a RAP claim against them from a renter.
MEDIATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES AVAILABLE
