05/24/2024
Single-Family Home Rental Protections Upheld by Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Following months of advocacy and engagement, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted 3-2 to reject proposals for enhanced rent control, penalties for legal evictions, and a fee-based rental registry for most single-family homes. An ordinance will now be drafted to reflect the agreements below, then return for a final vote.
The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (CTPA) created rent control and “just cause” eviction for most multifamily properties. Since its passage, other state laws have added additional limits and requirements. Before the BOS were fifteen options to expand these policies significantly, including relocation payments, legal eviction limits, and expanding to single-family homes.
NorBAR thanks Supervisors Rabbitt and Gore for their close collaboration with the housing community and their judicious opposition to policies that exceed state law – both voted no on the final motion. While we did not support the additional policies in the approved motion, we appreciate that Supervisor Hopkins declined adding CTPA-exempt single-family rentals and a fee-based rental registry to the new provisions. NorBAR aims to serve as a resource and partner for decision-makers on issues affecting our housing economy. We thank our government affairs team, members, industry partners, and the housing providers that wrote in and spoke out at the hearing – your efforts made an essential impact on the County’s grasp of the importance and complexity of the rental housing environment.
STATUS
No changes have been implemented yet - the changes below are a draft/informal summary from the hearing. NorBAR will monitor the ordinance's development and notify members of any concerns.
Removal of exemptions for income-restricted (affordable) housing, certain partially owner-occupied properties, and special purpose housing like nursing and dormitory facilities, making these subject to CTPA mandates
Eviction protections for properties under the CTPA will start on day one of tenancy (rather than after 12 months), with a one-month relocation payment for no-fault evictions; relocation assistance to be calculated at the HUD Fair Market Rent rate or current rent, whichever is higher
For properties under the CTPA, for-cause eviction for non-payment of rent limited until rent is one month late
A rental registry was not approved; 3 Supervisors supported mandating a standardized County notification form (no fees, registration, or monitoring).
A COVID-era-type eviction ordinance to take effect during disasters/emergencies, with specific criteria to determine eligibility (e.g., loss of units, pandemics).
We face a housing affordability crisis that has developed over multiple decades. Chronic under-development, economic insecurity, and a weak safety net have led to proposals that merely impose payments and penalties on housing providers as a solution. These measures are counterproductive, and can undermine affordability, compromise property rights, and cause financial hardships for both tenants and housing providers.
RESOURCES
California Tenant Protection Act (CTPA): Generally, state law is in effect through January 2030, and created rent control and “just cause” eviction for most multifamily properties. Since its passage, other statewide laws have augmented the Act.
Sonoma County Summary of the CTPA and related laws
State of California, current statewide rent/eviction laws
Sonoma County May 21 Documents
Sonoma County Staff Presentation: Revised Options to Augment Protections for Unincorporated Residential Tenants
QUESTIONS?
County of Sonoma, County Administrator’s Office
Erik Romero, 707-565-1743, [email protected]
Elizabeth Coleman, 707-565-2421, [email protected]
Board of Supervisors: Who is My Supervisor? Look it up here.
District 1, Susan Gorin, [email protected]
District 2, David Rabbitt, [email protected]
District 3, Chris Coursey, [email protected]
District 4, James Gore, [email protected]
District 5, Lynda Hopkins, [email protected]
Disclaimer: The information provided does not constitute legal advice. All content is for general informational only and does not reflect the totality of information or any legal interpretation or analysis. This pic is just because...DOGS ROCK!!
