San Mateo Council hears support for tenant protection measures from community members

In the heart of San Mateo, the City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, buzzed with passionate voices advocating for tenant protections and housing stability. As the evening unfolded, residents and stakeholders shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the urgent need for policies that safeguard renters in a city grappling with rising housing costs.

Stephanie Reyes, a resident and landlord from the Bay Meadows neighborhood, opened the public comment segment with a heartfelt plea for tenant protection measures proposed by Our Home San Mateo. “It is incredibly hard to be a renter in San Mateo,” she emphasized, urging the council to support initiatives that would provide security for renters and help them remain part of the community.

Amanda Chang, a local advocate with a background in anti-displacement policies, echoed Reyes' sentiments. She pointed out that San Mateo is eligible for significant funding to improve public transit and housing policies, but compliance with tenant protection measures is crucial to accessing these resources. Chang highlighted the importance of adopting ordinances that go beyond state law, such as just cause for eviction and tenant relocation assistance, to ensure that vulnerable residents are protected.

Suzanne Moore, representing Health Care for the Homeless, underscored the critical link between eviction prevention and homelessness. She shared successful strategies from other communities that have implemented strong tenant protections, emphasizing that legal support during eviction proceedings significantly increases tenants' chances of staying housed.

The discussion took a turn as Paul Kaye, a long-time resident and landlord, raised concerns about the balance between protecting tenants and ensuring landlords can sustain their properties. He noted that many landlords face financial losses due to non-paying tenants and warned that overly stringent regulations could drive property owners out of the rental market, ultimately reducing housing availability.

Jonathan Stone from Prometheus Real Estate Group cautioned against new mandates that could burden landlords and discourage investment in housing. He called for continued dialogue among stakeholders to find solutions that support both tenants and property owners.

As the meeting progressed, Gina Pappin, the MTC representative, reassured attendees that San Mateo is already in substantial compliance with existing affordable housing policies, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing concerns.

The evening concluded with Christa Hansen from the Peninsula Solidarity cohort advocating for a prohibition on no-fault evictions during the school year. She highlighted the detrimental effects of eviction on children’s education and well-being, urging the council to consider policies that protect families during critical times.

As the council members thanked the speakers for their insights, it was clear that the discussions held that night would shape the future of housing policy in San Mateo. The community's call for action resonated, leaving a lingering question: how will the council respond to the urgent needs of its residents in the face of a housing crisis?