Title
Staff Report for a City of San Leandro City Council Resolution to Approve the Annual Rent Review Program Evaluations for July 2016 - June 2017 and for July 2017 - June 2018
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Rent Review Program is a useful resource for both landlords and tenants who seek information, facilitation, and compromise on proposed rent increases. The program is utilized by the community as a rent dispute forum for tenants and landlords and is applicable to rental housing units in a parcel that contains at least 2 tenant-occupied housing units.
Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the Annual Rent Review Program Evaluations for July 2016 through June 2017 and July 2017 through June 2018.
BACKGROUND
Title IV, Chapter 32, Article 5, section 4-32-500 of the City's Municipal Code requires that an annual review of the Rent Review Program be prepared by the Rent Review Board (Board) for the City Council. Since May 2001, the Rent Review Program has been an integral part of the City's comprehensive housing services. The Rent Review Program serves as a resource for landlords and tenants that seek information and resolution regarding rent increases.
The Board consists of five City Council appointed positions. The Board composition includes: two tenants, two landlords, and one homeowner representative.
The City of San Leandro contracts with ECHO Housing, a nonprofit housing counseling organization to provide fair housing and tenant-landlord conciliation/mediation services. ECHO Housing has provided these services since FY 2013-14 as a result of the elimination of redevelopment agencies which necessitated staff reductions. In FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18 ECHO Housing assisted with the administration of the Rent Review Program by processing renters' rent review hearing requests, communicating with landlords to obtain their rent review hearing request response forms, and educating both tenants and landlords about the C...
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