Concord Rent and Eviction Control: Measures with Potential Ripple Effects

Last month, the Concord City Council passed its “Residential Tenant Protection Program” a highly debated rent control and “just cause” eviction ordinance that allows for greater renter protections. The effects of the ordinance will be felt by tens of thousands of renters as well as property owners in the city. Tenants and tenancy advocates are claiming approval of Concord rent and eviction control as a victory. However, property owner groups and critics disagree, arguing that such a policy burdens property owners who are still suffering from pandemic costs and will have a longstanding negative impact by discouraging developers from building more housing.

What Does the Concord Rent and Eviction Control Measure?

The Concord rent control measure limits the percentage by which landlords can increase prices each year. The decision caps annual rent increases at 3%, or 60% of the consumer price index whichever is lower, for multi-family complexes built before Feb. 1, 1995. The consumer price index is an economic metric that measures the average change in prices paid by consumers over a period of time and is a good indicator of regional inflation.

The Concord eviction control provisions in the ordinance are restrictive and require landlords to shoulder great financial expense. For example, for a multifamily rental complex “no fault” eviction in Concord, landlords must pay three months of fair market rent plus $3,000 to cover the tenants’ moving expenses. For single-family home and condominium no-fault evictions, landlords must pay relocation assistance equal to two months of the tenants’ contracted rent, plus a moving stipend of $2,000. The Concord eviction control provisions further limit landlords’ ability to terminate tenancies when needed for personal use. Under the new protections, a tenant can only be evicted via an owner move-in if the individual has at least 25% interest ownership of the property and will occupy the unit for a minimum of 24 months.

The Concord rent and eviction controls apply differently depending on the type of housing. Multi-family units built after Feb. 1, 1995 are not subject to Concord rent control, but are subject to Concord’s just cause eviction regulations. Further, single-family homes and condominiums are subject to the local just cause eviction regulations but not to rent stabilization regulations. The Concord rent and eviction control ordinance does not apply to accessory dwelling units and duplexes where the owner lives in one of the units.

Concord is just one among a handful of cities that are pushing for stricter rent and eviction controls. Other cities such as San Pablo, Pittsburgh and Marin County’s Larkspur have proposed ordinances that would cap rent hikes similar to Concord, while Redwood City has proposed a limit of 5% or 60% of the consumer price index. These rent stabilization and tenant protection initiatives may land on the November 2024 ballot as supporters’ campaign to garner enough signatures.

If you have questions about the Concord Residential Tenant Protection Program or how it might apply to your property, contact us at your convenience.

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