SECOND READING OF COUNTY RENT CAP & EVICTION BAN ORDINANCE TUESDAY, MAY 4

We need your help to stop this bad policy at the second reading. SCRHA will be sending out grassroots mobilization messages in the coming days asking you to contact your Supervisor and to participate in public comment. Make sure you are signed up to receive SCRHA Action Alerts, click here to sign up today!

The May 4 agenda is now available; the ordinance is Item #26. Click here to access supporting documents.

Click here to sign up to speak in OPPOSITION to Item #26. Enter your information, select the bubbles for #26 and “In Opposition.” Once you click submit, you will get an email with more information. You may visit this page to learn more about submitting a comment and watching the hearing.

Here are the reasons why this ordinance must not pass: 

• It would prevent termination of tenancy and eviction unless for Just Cause defined as “Imminent threats to health and safety.” There is no clear definition, and it is likely this will result in not being able to remove residents unless for egregious crimes. This impacts neighboring residents.  
• Legally served notices of termination and court approved evictions would be overruled by the retroactive dates in the ordinance. Even if you already served your notice or won your unlawful detainer case, you would not be able to proceed on vacating the unit.  
• The Just Cause portion of the ordinance would be in place until 60 days after the Governor lifts Stay At Home orders. It has already been announced that the tiered system and most orders will be lifted on June 15. With businesses re-opening and more people returning to work, an ordinance like this now, when we are coming out of the pandemic, is unnecessary.
• It would cap rent increases at the Change in CPI until July 1. State law already has complicated rules in place to limit rent increases. Furthermore, anyone impacted by COVID-19 and unable to pay rent does not have to until June 30.  
• Homeowners will not be able to move into their own homes. Many property owners have suffered financial impacts and need to move into their rental home.  
• Property owners would not be able to terminate tenancies in order to sell a property. Many property owners are being forced to sell their properties because of financial hardships. This would prevent sales or make them much more difficult. 
• Financing for the purchases of smaller properties will fall through or not be available at all since owner-occupancy will not be possible. Some financing options for smaller rental properties require that the buyer occupy a unit. Without the ability to terminate a tenancy for owner move-in, these deals will not be possible. 

These are just some of the issues with this ordinance. SCRHA will continue to oppose this bad policy and is prepared to legally challenge this taking of private property and overreach of County police power! 

Did you miss our webinar on May 3? Watch the recording to learn more about this issue from Lucinda Lilley, SCRHA President, and Molly Kirkland, SCRHA Director of Public Affairs. You must be a member and register to view the recorded webinar.