Burbank City Council
October 15, 2024

Attachment 2
Summary of Pivotal Strategies Outreach Feedback and Questionnaires • Proposed Tenant Protection Measures: Many respondents support a rent cap tied to 60% of CPI with a 3% max increase, self-funded rental registry, closing loopholes like "renoviction," universal just cause, and stronger anti-harassment protections.
• Public Sentiment on Affordability: Tenants express concerns about being priced out of Burbank due to rising rents. A cap is seen as necessary to provide stability and prevent displacement. • Rent Increases Outpacing Wages: Many renters indicate their wages are increasing by around 3% annually, while rent increases often exceed this, making it unsustainable for them to live in Burbank.
• Suggestions for Alternative Solutions: Some tenants propose alternative solutions such as expanding Section 8 housing vouchers, increasing the availability of low-income housing instead of strict rent caps, and considering an income-based.
• Impact of Rent Cap on Tenant/Community Stability: Tenants argue that a rent cap would help them avoid large, unpredictable rent hikes, allowing them to remain in their homes and participate in the community.
• Protections for Landlords: Landlords note they face criticism for rental rate increases but have little recourse or other protections offered by the state or the City such as compensation from tenants who damage their property, being able to renovate their units, or terminating leases with just cause.
• Rising Cost of Ownership: Landlords argue that rent caps do not provide them with enough protection, especially in covering rising costs for insurance, property taxes, and repairs. They fear it will limit their ability to maintain their properties, respond to tenants’ repair requests, and jeopardize their retirements.
• Economic Impact on Housing Supply: Landlords and developers believe that stricter rent controls will reduce the incentive to build or maintain rental properties, leading to a long-term decrease in housing supply.
• Opposition to Further Rent Control: Some landlords believe that AB1482, the existing state rent control law, is sufficient and that further restrictions would lead to decreased property maintenance and require rent to increase the maximum allowed every year. • Impact on Small Landlords: Small “mom and pop” landlords argue that additional rent regulations will make it difficult for them to compete or remain profitable. They fear being driven out by larger corporate entities if stricter controls are imposed.