Discuss rental regulations including rent mediation and eviction protections
In Plain English
The city council is reviewing two different approaches to regulate rental housing. Option C would create a mediation board to help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords. Option D would limit rent increases and require landlords to show valid reasons before evicting tenants. The council will decide which components to include in new housing laws.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Regarding exemptions for Option C, Rent Mediation Board Plus Enhanced Monitoring and Community Education (Option A), directing staff to not include any exemptions
4 to 0
Regarding Option D – Rent Control and Just Cause for Eviction Plus Enhanced Monitoring and Community Education (Option A), to not include any exemptions beyond Costa-Hawkins
4 to 0
Regarding Option D - Just Case for Eviction Exemptions directing staff to not include any exemptions, and expand to all units including Section 8
4 to 0
Regarding Option C – Rent Mediation Board to approve staff's recommendation of five members
3 to 0
Regarding Option D – potential Rent Control Board composition – to have the City Council function as Rent Board until November 2016
4 to 0
Regarding Option C – Rent Mediation Board, directing staff to include an aggregate of seven percent over one year
3 to 0
Regarding Option D - Rent Control and Just Case for Eviction, proposed a 60% of CPI in terms of allowable increases
4 to 0
Regarding Option D - Fee Pass-through, applying all costs associated with the ordinance to include all units covered for Just Cause for Eviction and no fees allowed to pass through to tenant except sewer rates
4 to 0
Regarding Option D – Relocation Payments – to apply to all units - relocation payments of two months rents at market rate plus $1,000 for all no-fault evictions
4 to 1
Increasing code enforcement on rental units
4 to 1
To require notification to tenants about the Just Case and Rental Control Ordinance
5 to 0
To not include a rental registry and levy maximum legal penalties including a private right of action by tenants
4 to 1
Directing staff to establish a special fund to receive fees received by landlords and not start wrapping up the staffing of the Rental Board until the fees are collected
4 to 1
Related Items
Issue 2 proclamations and appoint 1 youth council member
Mar 3, 2026
Receive letters from residents about rent control and eviction laws
Feb 18, 2026
Receive presentation on research for new real estate disclosure requirements
Feb 18, 2026
Review landlord's appeal of $5,054 penalty for habitability violations
Nov 19, 2025
Establish regulations requiring disclosure and oversight of landlord-tenant buyout agreements
Nov 4, 2025
Honor Nicolas Traylor for 9 years leading Richmond Rent Program
Mar 3, 2026
APPROVE the minutes of January 21, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Richmond Rent Board
Feb 18, 2026
Receive monthly financial report for rent control program through January 2026
Feb 18, 2026
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Monthly Activity Report through January 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Receive monthly financial report for rent stabilization program
Jan 21, 2026