Title
Presentation of Proposed Tenant Relocation Assistance Program
Staffreport
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Based on public testimony about escalating rents and displacement of tenants in San Leandro, the City Council directed the City Council Rules Committee to work with staff to develop recommendations for a tenant relocation assistance program. Draft program policies have been developed and staff looks forward to receiving further input from the City Council tonight including direction on next steps (i.e., public outreach, return to the City Council Rules Committee or City Council, etc.).
In order to address tenant concerns about escalating rents and tenant displacement, the City Council Rules Committee, at its April and July 2016 meetings, discussed potential policies for a Tenant Relocation Assistance Program.
Overview of Tenant Relocation Assistance Program Components
The Rules Committee determined that the purpose of the program was to protect San Leandro's long-term tenants from displacement resulting from the impacts of rising rents and landlord-caused terminations. Staff researched policy options for tenant protection measures including research on such programs in neighboring jurisdictions. With the City Attorney's Office, staff presented a draft Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (see attachment) for the Committee's review, feedback, and public comment.
Eligibility
The proposed Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance would require landlords to provide tenants relocation assistance payments when the termination of tenancy is landlord-caused. Landlord-caused terminations include:
1. Without cause in accordance with California Civil Code section 1946.1
2. Owner move-in.
3. Demolition.
4. Capital Improvement.
Tenants must meet all three criteria below for relocation assistance eligibility:
1. Termination of tenancy is landlord-caused as described above.
2. A tenant of five or more years.
3. Rental unit is in a parcel containing two or more ...
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