Boulder City Council discusses rental data collection to aid tenants in disputes

The Boulder City Housing Advisory Board convened on June 27, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to housing affordability and transparency in rental practices. The meeting focused on the need for improved data collection regarding rental rates and the implications for tenants facing significant rent increases.

The session began with a discussion on the challenges tenants encounter when disputing rent hikes. Board members highlighted that many disputes between tenants and landlords are resolved informally, often without legal representation. A proposal was made to enhance transparency by having the city collect and aggregate rental data from rental license applications. This data could provide tenants with a benchmark for reasonable rent increases, potentially aiding them in negotiations with landlords.

The board considered the feasibility of this proposal, emphasizing that while the city may not disclose specific rental amounts, aggregated data could be beneficial. Members expressed that having access to this information would empower tenants to challenge unreasonable rent increases effectively.

Further discussions touched on the income limits for affordable housing in Boulder. It was noted that ownership programs target households earning up to 120% of the area median income (AMI), while rental units typically serve those earning 60% of AMI or below. The board acknowledged the need for better data on the number of residents qualifying for affordable housing and the extent of rent burden among the population.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue on these issues, with members encouraged to bring forward additional ideas for future discussions. The board plans to revisit the proposal for data collection and explore further insights into the housing needs of Boulder residents in upcoming meetings.