Legislative Update - September 12, 2023
Proposition 33: Free Rent Control Town Hall on Friday, September 13 – Chula Vista
Join SCRHA at this important Town Hall on Friday, September 13, to learn more about this 3rd attempt to repeal Costa-Hawkins protections at the statewide ballot box, how it could impact your investment and livelihood, and how you can help defeat this attack on your property rights.
- Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk
- Lori Holt Pfeiler, CEO Building Industry Association of San Diego
- Rich D'Ascoli, CEO Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors®
- Christine La Marca, California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) and SCRHA Past President
Chula Vista Council Hears Report on TPO, Asks City Staff to Consult Industry on Hardships
This past Tuesday evening, the Chula Vista City Council received a report on the Residential Tenant Protection Ordinance (TPO), originally approved in late 2022. The update from city staff provided the numbers of no-fault termination notices received by the city and shared that no fines have been issued to property owners to date. SCRHA was well-represented by Board member and Legislative Steering Committee Vice Chair Eric Sutton. Mr. Sutton stated that SCRHA stands ready to assist with any changes and/or improvements to the ordinance. He and other housing provider speakers expressed concern with the definition of substantial remodel which is more prohibitive than state law. Chula Vista requires that a unit must be vacant for at least 60 days and improvements must cost at least $40/sq ft in order to meet the definition. This formula limits the ability of housing providers to improve older housing stock. Mr. Sutton also pointed to the relocation requirement and the required use of the HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent when providing relocation payments versus contract rent. He provided councilmembers with a spreadsheet for an older 6-unit rental property in need of substantial remodel which highlighted the massive cost savings that could be accomplished with changes to the ordinance’s definition. Councilmembers Gonzalez and Preciado asked city staff to work with the industry over the next few months to see what impacts the ordinance is having on rental properties and to return in early 2025 with possible suggestions. SCRHA will continue to be a primary stakeholder and provide updates to members.