Making Your Voice Heard - Richmond Rent Board Solicits Your Opinion about Owner Move-In Evictions

On June 22, 2019, the Richmond Rent Board held a tenant and a separate landlord workshop concerning Owner Move-In evictions. The board is considering revisions to the rent board Regulations which "clarify the municipal ordinance."

Having some familiarity with the rent board's OMI requirements, there is no requirement for the landlord to prove property ownership and/or percent ownership and, if the landlord purports to be a protected landlord (e.g. disabled and/or a senior), there is no proof required of the landlord to prove disability and/or age. However, if the tenant is protected, the tenant must provide written evidence of disability and/or age. I consider this a discriminatory and unfair practice. I hope that the rent board will re-balance this landlord-tenant equation.

The Board is requesting community feedback on topics such as:

• Methods of Tracking Compliance with Owner Move-In Requirements;
• Tenant First Right of Refusal Requirement;
• Rent Increases for Units Placed Back on the Rental Market; and
• Ownership Requirements.

To make your voice heard, call or email the Rent Program at (510) 234-RENT (7368) or rent@ci.richmond.ca.us.

You can also respond to the City survey via the links below (English, Spanish):

Access the English Survey

Access the Spanish Survey