San Diego City Council Informational Hearing on Tenant Protections Confirms Need for Collaboration

San Diego City Council Informational Hearing on Tenant Protections Confirms Need for Collaboration

After hours of public testimony on Monday, October 31, the San Diego City Council discussed the creation of tenant protections and the path forward for creating a new ordinance. Councilmembers shared their concerns for renters and with some of the proposed protections, but overwhelmingly supported the idea of collaborating with all stakeholders. This was the theme that SCRHA presented to council as did many owner and property manager members. Thank you to all members who attended and to those who shared public comment virtually. Our shared messaging was clearly heard. The simple message, we are part of the community, this is a community problem, and therefore, all members of the community should be at the table.

Council President Sean Elo-Rivera kicked off discussion among councilmembers by asking them to go through the proposed framework provided by his office. While a few items were discussed, for the most part other councilmembers kept their comments broad and expressed their desire to engage all stakeholders, including rental housing providers. Several councilmembers asked that the development of an ordinance go through the committee process in response to the Council President stating that he felt the item was urgent enough to perhaps be docketed directly to the full council. Councilmembers also articulated concerns with unintended consequences and the need for more information about existing laws.

SCRHA will continue to engage with all councilmembers. Thank you again for you participation. SCRHA will continue to share important updates on our advocacy efforts.