San Leandro council advances rent‑stabilization ordinance on first reading after hours of public comment
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Summary
After more than three hours of public testimony from tenants, landlords and advocacy groups, the San Leandro City Council voted to approve the first reading of a rent‑stabilization ordinance that establishes local caps, exemptions and a rent‑registry program; the measure passed 5–1 with Mayor Gonzales opposed.
San Leandro — The City Council on Jan. 12 approved the first reading of a proposed rent‑stabilization ordinance that would establish local limits on annual rent increases, create a rent registry and set up a petition process for landlords to seek a fair return.
Community Development Director Tom Liao, presenting the draft ordinance, said the proposal sets the base rent year at July 1, 2025, and an effective date of Jan. 1, 2027, with an 18‑month transition tied to AB 1482 increases in the interim. He described the measure's exemptions — single‑family rentals, separately sold condominiums and townhomes, units built after Feb. 1, 1995, certain ADUs and permanent supportive housing — and confirmed staff will return with rent‑registry software, a fee study and final budget recommendations.
Why it matters: Council members and dozens of residents framed the debate around housing stability and local costs. Tenants and tenant advocates urged the council to adopt strict protections to prevent displacement and reduce housing instability. Housing providers, landlord trade associations and some small owners warned that a low cap would not keep pace with rising costs and could reduce maintenance, prompt property sales and shrink rental supply.
What supporters said: Tenants and advocates stressed the human impact of rising rents. One longtime renter said repeated increases left her at risk of homelessness and urged the council to act to keep seniors and low‑income households in place. Supporters argued local stabilization complements — rather than replaces — state protections.
What opponents said: Landlord groups and many small owners argued the ordinance, as drafted, is too restrictive and would force owners to defer maintenance or exit the market. David Stark of the Bay East Association of Realtors told the council, “Please vote no on rent control,” and several property owners described steep increases in insurance and utilities that they said outpace the proposed cap.
Council response and vote: Council members debated compromise options during deliberations, including a proposal from Vice Mayor Viveiros Walton to replace the CPI‑linked formula with a flat 3% cap. After discussion, Council Member Boldt moved to approve the ordinance on first reading as drafted. The motion carried with five yes votes; Mayor Gonzales voted no and Council Member Azevedo was absent.
Next steps: Staff will return with refined ordinance language and the rent‑registry and fee proposals; the council indicated the item will return for additional readings and a final adoption vote at a later meeting. The first‑reading approval advances the ordinance to the next formal review stage.
Quotes: “I'm proud of the work that's gone into this,” said a resident who supported the measure, urging council unity on the ordinance. “Please vote no on rent control,” said David Stark, representing local realtors, reflecting the opposition voiced by many housing providers.
Implementation details and clarifications: The ordinance references state law AB 1482 for allowable interim increases and explicitly keeps vacancy resets permitted by state law. Staff emphasized the ordinance will not become effective until Jan. 1, 2027, and that rent increases between the base date and effective date remain governed by AB 1482. The draft also outlines a fair‑return petition process for landlords and a prohibition on 'banking' of increases.
The council meeting record shows the first reading passed (motion carries with 5 yeses; Mayor Gonzales voting no; Council member Azevedo absent).
