San Leandro council discusses $650K rent registry initiative and staffing challenges

The San Leandro City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, focused on the proposed implementation of a rent registry and related housing policies. Key discussions revolved around staffing needs, budget implications, and the timeline for enforcement and compliance.

City staff emphasized the necessity of hiring additional personnel or consultants to effectively manage the proposed rent registry, which aims to streamline the tracking of rental units and ensure compliance with housing regulations. The estimated cost for the registry is projected at $650,000 annually, with a proposed fee of $100 per rental unit. This could potentially generate up to $2 million if all 20,000 rental units in the city participate. However, council members raised concerns about the allocation of surplus funds and the need for effective outreach to ensure compliance among landlords.

Council member Rivera Swelton clarified the distinction between rent stabilization and rent control, underscoring the importance of consistent terminology in discussions. The council also explored the potential for integrating mobile home park regulations with the broader rent registry, although staff indicated that these processes are distinct due to differing regulatory requirements.

The timeline for full implementation of the rent registry is expected to take three to five years, as seen in other cities like Alameda, which faced challenges in achieving compliance. Staff noted that ongoing education and outreach would be critical to increasing participation rates among landlords.

In conclusion, the council's discussions highlighted the complexities of establishing a rent registry and the need for careful planning and resource allocation to ensure its success. The next steps will involve further analysis of staffing requirements and community outreach strategies to facilitate the program's rollout.