Allow small landlords to reduce business taxes by Rent Board fees paid
In Plain English
Small landlords who own 4 or fewer rental units currently pay both Rent Board fees and gross receipts tax to the city. This law lets them subtract their annual Rent Board fees from their business tax bill. The change reduces city tax revenue but helps small property owners manage regulatory costs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Adopt Resolution No. 159-21
6 to 1
Why This Vote Matters
Small landlords who own four or fewer rental units can now subtract their Rent Board fees from their city business tax bills. The council passed this tax break with broad support in a 6-1 vote, with only Councilmember Bates dissenting. This change will reduce city tax revenue but is designed to help small property owners offset the cost of rental regulations. Bates voted against this housing measure, continuing his pattern of opposing most housing-related items, while the other six members supported it.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Public Comments
1 person commented (1 submitted written comments).
Similar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
Allow small landlords to credit rent board fees against business tax
Allow small landlords to credit rent board fees against business tax
Create rent board fee credit for landlords with 4 or fewer rental units
Modify rules for collecting residential rental housing fees
Create regulation to credit rent board fees for small landlords
The Story So Far
10 prior discussions on this topic
Receive letters from residents about rent control and eviction laws
Receive presentation on research for new real estate disclosure requirements
Review landlord's appeal of $5,054 penalty for habitability violations
Establish regulations requiring disclosure and oversight of landlord-tenant buyout agreements
Honor Nicolas Traylor for 9 years leading Richmond Rent Program
Receive monthly financial report for rent control program through January 2026
APPROVE the minutes of January 21, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Richmond Rent Board
APPROVE the minutes of November 19, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Richmond Rent Board
Receive monthly financial report for rent stabilization program
Receive monthly budget report for Rent Program through October 2025