Council advances tenant anti-harassment and just-cause changes after hours of public comment from renters and landlords

The Oxnard City Council on April 29 approved first readings and directed staff to implement administrative rules for two related tenant-protection measures: a new tenant anti-harassment ordinance and amendments to the city’s just-cause eviction code. Council approved the items following extensive public comment from tenants, tenant advocates and landlord representatives. The two items together create new enforcement tools, penalties and procedures for alleged harassment or retaliation and clarify implementation of just-cause eviction protections.

What the council approved: Councilmembers voted to introduce the tenant anti-harassment ordinance and the just-cause code amendments, and to authorize staffing and administrative regulations needed for implementation. The anti-harassment ordinance creates a defined list of prohibited practices (for example, abusive entry, threats based on immigration status and interference with tenant organizing activities) when done with intent to intimidate or retaliate. The ordinance also proposes civil damages (statutory caps were proposed consistent with cited civil-code provisions), attorney fees and administrative enforcement tools. The council also advanced code amendments implementing just-cause evictions and directed staff to…