Oxnard City Council reviews tenant anti harassment ordinance for enhanced tenant protections

During a recent Oxnard City Council meeting, officials discussed the proposed Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance aimed at protecting renters from coercive tactics employed by landlords. The ordinance comes in response to a troubling rise in reported harassment cases, where landlords have allegedly used intimidation, false eviction notices, and threats to force tenants out of rent-stabilized units. These actions not only disrupt tenants' lives but also allow landlords to bypass city rent caps, potentially raising rents to market rates.

Alba Marshall, the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Program Supervisor, highlighted that similar ordinances have been successfully implemented in other California cities, such as Santa Monica and Los Angeles, serving as effective deterrents against landlord misconduct. The proposed ordinance would classify specific landlord actions as harassment, making violations a misdemeanor subject to criminal prosecution. It would also empower tenants, the city, or organizations to pursue civil action for damages.

The ordinance is designed to cover all residential tenancies in Oxnard, impacting approximately 33,505 renters. To ensure effective enforcement, the housing department has requested funding for two new positions: an assistant city attorney and a housing investigator. These roles would be crucial for investigating complaints and prosecuting violations, with an estimated annual budget of $505,000 needed for their salaries and associated costs.

The council is set to review the ordinance on April 29, 2025, with the potential for it to take effect by July, pending approval. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of tenant rights and the need for robust protections against harassment in the housing market, addressing a critical issue for many residents in Oxnard.