Introduce law requiring landlords to pay relocation costs for displaced tenants

Rent Board & TenantsHousingOrdinance

In Plain English

Richmond currently has no rules requiring landlords to help tenants who must move due to major renovations, demolitions, or other landlord actions. If approved, landlords pay relocation expenses when they force tenants to leave their homes. The law protects renters from sudden displacement costs they cannot afford.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Introduce ordinance and request staff come back with resolution utilizing Santa Monica's relocation ordinance as guide for setting relocation fees, with inclusion of separate and lesser amount for owner move-ins

Passed

4 to 2

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Why This Vote Matters

Richmond will move forward with creating new rules requiring landlords to pay relocation costs when they force tenants to move out for renovations, demolitions, or other reasons. The council voted 4-2 to introduce the ordinance, with Tom Butt and Vinay Pimplé opposing. Staff will return with a proposal based on Santa Monica's model, including lower fees when property owners need to move in themselves. This measure would protect renters from sudden moving expenses they often cannot afford when displaced through no fault of their own.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Community Discussion

This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.

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