Category: News You Can Use

Redwood City passes renter protections

In an effort to ease burdens on renters amidst the ongoing housing crisis, the Redwood City Council unanimously passed two renter protection ordinances requiring landlords to offer minimum lease terms, and in certain circumstances, help pay for the relocation of displaced low-income tenants

District Attorney Files Felony Charges for Election Fraud Against Signature Gatherers Paid by the California Apartment Association

Pacifica, CA–The San Mateo County District Attorney has filed multiple felony charges against referendum petition signature gatherers hired by the California Apartment Association (CAA). The CAA referendum overturned a temporary law passed by the Pacifica City Council that would have protected tenants from exorbitant rent increases and unjust evictions in the months leading up to the November 2017 vote on rent control. Fair Rents 4 Pacifica, a local all-volunteer community organization, filed a complaint with the District Attorney alleging that signature gatherers were misrepresenting the referendum to gain signatures.

Lawmakers propose new eviction protections

California lawmakers are rolling out a series of new bills aimed at easing the state’s housing crisis by helping renters who face eviction.

Assembly Bill 2343 was introduced by Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco, and co-authored by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. 

If passed, the bill would extend the period of time that tenants have to respond to eviction lawsuits so they can present a legitimate defense. It would also give them more time to pay their rent or comply with other contractual obligations in the lease.