Salinas City Council to review rent stabilization ordinances and community outreach strategy

The Salinas City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding the city's rental ordinances, particularly the rent stabilization and tenant protection measures. City staff presented a report outlining three options for the council regarding these ordinances, which have been a point of contention among landlords and tenants.

The first option is to continue implementing all four existing ordinances and provide a program report by October 2025. The second option involves modifying the ordinances to clarify requirements and address concerns raised by stakeholders. The third option would allow for the repeal of any or all of the ordinances.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about community engagement and the timeline for the ordinance's development. Staff explained that a technical advisory committee was formed in the summer of 2024, which included property managers, landlords, developers, and tenant organizations. This committee met several times and held community meetings to gather feedback on the ordinances.

Concerns were expressed about how the rent stabilization ordinance might affect future housing development. Staff clarified that the ordinance applies only to rental units established before February 1995, and new developments would not be subject to these regulations. However, all rental units must be registered under the residential rental registration ordinance.

The council also discussed the petition process available to landlords and tenants. Landlords can petition for rent increases if their maintenance costs exceed their rental income or if they have made capital improvements. Tenants can petition the city regarding poor living conditions or incorrect rent amounts. The city attorney noted that repealing the ordinances would revert tenant protections to state law, which offers fewer restrictions than the current city ordinances.

The meeting concluded with a call for council direction on how to proceed with community outreach regarding the ordinances. Staff emphasized the need for clear guidance from the council before organizing further community meetings, as they aim to ensure effective communication with both landlords and tenants.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing tenant protections with the interests of landlords and the need for ongoing community engagement as the council considers the future of rental regulations in Salinas.