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Landlords and tenants clash over proposed Alameda RUBS ban during consent hearing
Summary
Public comment at the council hearing showed strong, divergent views on a proposed ban on ratio utility billing systems (RUBS) in Alameda's rent-stabilization ordinance: landlords’ trade group urged delay citing operational/legal risks, while tenant advocates and individual renters urged final passage to increase transparency and stability.
Speakers at the July 7 meeting submitted sharply contrasting views on item 5K, the proposed ordinance to restrict or ban ratio utility billing systems (RUBS) in multiunit housing. Anil Babar of the California Apartment Association told council the ordinance has “serious operational problems” and legal exposure; he cited the San Jose experience and argued the draft ordinance needs more work before final passage. “This ordinance is not ready for adoption,” Babar said during public comment, noting petition deadlines and utility-allowance caps as specific concerns.
Tenant advocates, including Toni Grimm and Laura Woodard, countered that renters deserve predictable utility charges and that RUBS can discourage conservation and undermine tenant stability. “Renters who are approximately one-half of the city should be allowed to have more control over utilities,” Toni Grimm said. Laura Woodard, identifying herself with the Alameda Renters Coalition, said she supports a RUBS ban alongside stricter limits on capital-improvement pass-throughs to prevent rent-control loopholes. The consent calendar motion (with item 5D pulled earlier) moved forward after a roll-call vote; discussion and a recorded council 'no' on item 5K by one member were noted on the consent vote record.
