The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 22 (Building and Building Regulations) to establish minimum rules for rental agreements, including the requirement that landlords provide tenants with written leases, apply prorated rent when appropriate, issue receipts for cash rent payments, and disclose regularly required non-negotiable fees as part of a tenant's total monthly payment.

Councilman Goodman explained the ordinance is intended to consolidate renter and tenant protections that have been adopted in recent months and to address recurring problems such as landlords who operate without written leases or who fail to provide receipts for cash payments. "These are things specifically surrounding the beginning and ending of a lease and the processes around the lease," Goodman said, noting the rules aim to make rents and fees transparent for tenants.

The item passed first reading by roll call; administration said the ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption at a future meeting. Councilmembers encouraged staff outreach to renters and landlords to explain the new requirements.

The ordinance text on first reading is new language rather than an amendment to existing text, and the measure includes a three-business-day requirement for issuing receipts after cash payments, among other specifics.