Burbank council introduces anti-harassment tenant ordinance, directs staff to study rent registry and relocation aid

The Burbank City Council on Feb. 11 introduced an ordinance adding a tenant anti‑harassment bill of rights and agreed to narrow a proposed small‑landlord exemption so it applies only when an owner or the owner’s immediate relative moves into a unit, council members said.

City housing staff described a new housing enforcement unit and a set of services the city plans to make available, including a pilot mediation program and city‑funded grants for low‑income tenants to obtain legal representation. Staff said they will return with cost estimates and program parameters during the spring budget process.

The action was the first reading/introduction of the ordinance. The council approved introduction with amendments in a 3‑1 vote (Councilmember Rosati recused); the vote followed several hours of public comment and staff presentations. Under the amended language, the locally increased relocation assistance the council adopted last year (three months’ current rent for most no‑fault evictions) will not be reduced for most situations; the narrow exception now applies only to evictions in which an owner or an owner’s relative will occupy the unit.

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