Legislative Update - September 4, 2025

SCRHA Stops Rent Control in Oceanside; Less-Restrictive Tenant Protection Ordinance Passes
SCRHA is pleased to report that the Oceanside City Council voted against pursuing any form of Rent Control at last night’s hearing. After hours of testimony on tenant protections and rent stabilization, the council engaged in lengthy discussion about the merits of a Tenant Protection Ordinance (TPO). After significant back and forth between councilmembers, a TPO was approved with some improvements. A new construction exemption was added back into the ordinance (10 years versus 15 years in state law) and the relocation payment for No-Fault Termination of Tenancy was altered to mirror the one month’s rent currently in state law. SCRHA had argued that not including a new construction exemption could deter the development of new housing stock in Oceanside and that forcing housing providers to pay relocation equivalent to the HUD Fair Market rental rate, which is typically higher than contract rent, was unfair and punitive. The council also voted against dedicating $100,000 to tenant legal support. The TPO still has to be approved at a second reading. SCRHA will be providing more information and creating the necessary forms. Thank you to all the members who attended the hearing or sent messages to the Mayor and Council. Your voice made a difference!

ICYMI:

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