New Rent Stabilization — A Landmark Tenant Protection Taking Effect

active• sanleandro

San Leandro took one of its most significant tenant protection actions in city history at the start of 2026. Ordinance No. 2026-001, adopted by the City Council in January 2026 and effective 30 days later, adds Chapter 4-46 to the San Leandro Municipal Code establishing a Residential Rent Stabilization program — covering approximately 7,693 rental units identified as eligible — citing rapid rent increases and housing instability contributing to displacement of long-term residents, loss of economic diversity, and disruption of neighborhoods. The program includes an annual allowable rent increase tied to inflation, a fair return process for landlords, and was developed over two years of extensive public outreach — including in-person and virtual meetings with Spanish and Cantonese interpretation. The ordinance explicitly acknowledges the constraints of state law: it does not apply to single-family homes, condominiums, or newly constructed dwellings, which are exempt under Costa-Hawkins. Implementation and enforcement will take three to five years to fully ramp up.

Related cause: Housing Affordability

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