Alameda's rent moratorium is lifted
Brazen robbery at San Leandro Walgreen’s may loom over city’s mayoral race
CITY NEWS
ALAMEDA
—RENT IS DUE—Alameda's rent moratorium was unanimously rescinded late Tuesday night nearly two years after its was enacted to help tenants stay in their homes during the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic. The vote was a rare moment for elected officials to find common ground on an issue that has often roiled Alameda politics over the past six years.
—Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, noting the work the progressive council has done in conjunction with tenant advocates over the years, said she worried about renters having sticker shock when the rent moratorium is lifted. "We worked so hard to keep people housed, so I want us to continue along those lines," Ashcraft said, but added, "It's probably time for us to move forward."
—Alameda Councilmember Tony Daysog, one of two moderate on the city council and often a supporter of landlords, said, "Clearly two-plus years of no rent increases is not sustainable for many, but at least what is being proposed is reasonable."
—Advocates for Alameda renters expressed a sense of betrayal prior to Tuesday night’s vote toward the progressive members of the city council. The Alameda Renters Coalition said they were given no indication the rent moratorium’s possible end was on its way to a vote.
—Alameda renters will again be subject to annual rent increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. The rate is currently 2.7 percent. However, in Alameda, landlords have the ability to bank rent increases over a period of time. Banked increases of up to 3 percent can be triggered by landlords in some cases. Doing so, could potentially hike a rent increase up to 5.7 percent. An amendment to Tuesday's decision stipulates that landlords will not be able to use banked rent increases until 60 days after rescission of the local health emergency.
MORE IN THIS ISSUE: State Commission is Concerned About Howard Terminal | Mario Gonzalez Family Slams Alameda Police | 4th of July Parade Returns | Brazen Ransacking of Store Could Shape ‘Dro Mayor’s Race | Rob Bonta’s SD10 Pick |
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