County Supervisors vote to advance tenant protection ordinance | KPBS Public Media
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San Diego County Advances New Tenant Protection Ordinance to Strengthen Renter Rights
San Diego, CA – In an effort to address the growing housing crisis and strengthen protections for renters, the County of San Diego has advanced a new tenant protection ordinance that aims to go beyond the safeguards already provided by state law. This measure moved forward after the Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 in favor of the proposal introduced by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. A final vote is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
Why Is the Ordinance Necessary?
While California state law already includes tenant protections under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits rent increases and requires just cause for evictions, housing advocates argue that these provisions leave gaps that can still lead to unjust displacement. San Diego’s new ordinance seeks to close these gaps by introducing additional protections that would ensure more security for renters facing no-fault evictions and other housing challenges.
One key issue is that state law allows certain property owners to bypass some tenant protection requirements, particularly for newer housing units and single-family homes owned by small landlords. Furthermore, tenants who face eviction due to renovations or owner move-ins often struggle to find adequate relocation assistance or alternative housing within their budget.
What Additional Protections Would This Ordinance Provide?
The County of San Diego’s tenant protection ordinance introduces several significant changes:
Emergency Eviction Protections: The ordinance prevents eviction actions against residential tenants impacted by a declared local state of emergency for at least seven days following the declaration. This measure is designed to protect renters facing displacement due to natural disasters like floods or fires.
Enhanced Relocation Assistance: Tenants who are evicted under no-fault justifications, such as an owner move-in or substantial renovations, would receive financial assistance beyond what state law requires. This would help displaced renters secure alternative housing without falling into financial hardship.
Stronger Just Cause Requirements: The ordinance tightens the conditions under which landlords can evict tenants, reducing the potential for loopholes that allow unfair removals.
Additional Protections for Seniors and Disabled Tenants: Vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, would receive extended notice periods and higher relocation compensation to accommodate their unique housing needs.
Increased Accountability for Landlords: The ordinance establishes stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, including penalties for landlords who violate tenant rights.
Regulation of Buyout Agreements: Landlords who offer buyout agreements to tenants in exchange for voluntarily vacating their units would be required to follow clearer guidelines to prevent coercion and ensure tenants understand their rights.
Community and Political Response
Housing advocates and tenant organizations have largely welcomed the proposed ordinance, arguing that it provides much-needed protections for renters who are at risk of displacement. Supervisor Montgomery Steppe described the advancement of the policy as "an important step forward in protecting members of our community during times of crisis." However, some landlord and property owner groups have expressed concerns about the potential financial burden and regulatory challenges that these new rules could introduce.
Supervisor Joel Anderson cast the sole dissenting vote, stating that the measure "exceeded what state law requires, hurting housing in my district." Despite this opposition, the ordinance will apply countywide, including incorporated cities, once the chief administrative officer determines an emergency is in effect.
The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading and final vote on April 8, 2025. If approved, it will take effect immediately. County officials emphasize that this policy is "just the beginning" and that further tenant protections may be considered in the future.
For tenants and landlords seeking more information about the proposed ordinance, resources are available through the San Diego Housing Commission and local legal aid organizations.
County Supervisors vote to advance tenant protection ordinance | KPBS Public Media
Lara McCaffrey
KPBS
A new tenant protection ordinance is moving forward in San Diego County after the Board of Supervisors voted to advance the measure.
On Tuesday, the board voted 3-1 in favor of the ordinance put forward by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. Supervisor Joel Anderson cast the dissenting vote.
The ordinance was passed as part of a first reading, which is official county policy. A second reading is scheduled for April 8 during the board's next regular meeting.
Montgomery Steppe's office said the ordinance "will prevent eviction actions against residential tenants impacted by an emergency for at least seven days following the declaration of a local state of emergency."
The policy will affect residential tenants who have experienced emergency situations and natural disasters, including floods and fires, according to Montgomery Steppe.
Her office said the ordinance would go into effect immediately if the board votes in favor next month. Montgomery Steppe said the advancement of the policy "marks an important step forward in protecting members of our community during times of crisis."
"No one should have to fear losing their home or being taken advantage of at their most vulnerable moment," she added. "This ordinance ensures that tenants have some protection against further financial hardship or the insecurity of eviction. I thank my colleagues who voted in support as we send a strong message that San Diego County stands with its residents during their most challenging times."
Montgomery Steppe said the ordinance is a complement to state Penal Code Section 396, which "protects consumers and tenants during emergencies by prohibiting price gouging and unjustified evictions during emergencies."
Anderson, who represents District 2, said in a statement Wednesday that he voted no because the board letter "exceeded what state law requires, hurting housing in my district."
The ordinance will apply countywide, including incorporated cities, once the chief administrative officer determines an emergency is in effect. There is no cost associated with the policy, according to information on the board meeting agenda.
Montgomery Steppe described the policy as "just the beginning."
"We will continue to work together to build stronger protections and necessary safeguards for all residents," she added.
New tenant protection ordinance moving forward in San Diego County
A new tenant protection ordinance is moving forward in San Diego County Wednesday after the Board of Supervisors voted to advance the measure.
On Tuesday, the board voted 3-1 in favor of the ordinance put forward by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. Supervisor Joel Anderson cast the dissenting vote.
The ordinance was passed as part of a first reading, which is official county policy. A second reading is scheduled for April 8 during the board's next regular meeting.
Montgomery Steppe's office said the ordinance "will prevent eviction actions against residential tenants impacted by an emergency for at least seven days following the declaration of a local state of emergency."
The policy will affect residential tenants who have experienced emergency situations and natural disasters, including floods and fires, according to Montgomery Steppe.
Her office said the ordinance would go into effect immediately if the board votes in favor next month. Montgomery Steppe said the advancement of the policy "marks an important step forward in protecting members of our community during times of crisis."
"No one should have to fear losing their home or being taken advantage of at their most vulnerable moment," she added. "This ordinance ensures that tenants have some protection against further financial hardship or the insecurity of eviction. I thank my colleagues who voted in support as we send a strong message that San Diego County stands with its residents during their most challenging times."
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Montgomery Steppe said the ordinance is a complement to state Penal Code Section 396, which "protects consumers and tenants during emergencies by prohibiting price gouging and unjustified evictions during emergencies."
Anderson, who represents District 2, said in a statement Wednesday that he voted no because the board letter "exceeded what state law requires, hurting housing in my district."
The ordinance will apply countywide, including incorporated cities, once the chief administrative officer determines an emergency is in effect. There is no cost associated with the policy, according to information on the board meeting agenda.
Montgomery Steppe described the policy as "just the beginning."
"We will continue to work together to build stronger protections and necessary safeguards for all residents," she added.
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