From: Randi and Herb Long <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 1:25 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comment on tenant protection
I am writing hoping you will support adding Chapter 19.50 "Residential Tenant Anti- Harassement Protection."
Those who find themselves in a situation where they cannot afford their own homes, need protection.
Please find a way to be supportive of both tenants and property owners.
Sincerely,
Randi Long
Sent from my iPad
Benched Correspondence
Agenda Item No. 5.a
June 14, 2022
From: Michelle Queirolo <[email protected]>
Date: June 13, 2022 at 9:41:28 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: Miche [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Michelle Queirolo and I am a Concord ally. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
In addition, it is placing tenants in a situation where they need to sign a contract under duress or one that is unconscionable which establishes unlawful contracts. Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Michelle Queirolo
[email protected]
Pleasant Hill , California 94523
From: Natalie Ingraham <[email protected]>
Date: June 13, 2022 at 10:21:33 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected] rg> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Natalie Ingraham and I am a Concord homeowner and voter. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you,
Natalie Ingraham
Natalie Ingraham
[email protected]
Concord, California 94520
From: Erik Schnabel <[email protected]>
Date: June 13, 2022 at 1:40:29 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is ______ and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Erik Schnabel
[email protected]
Oakland, CA, California 94603
From: Rachel Beck <[email protected]>
Date: June 13, 2022 at 7:15:09 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Rachel Beck and I am an Oakland tenant with friends who rent in Concord. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft anti-harassment ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
I urge the City Council to continue listening to tenants and their advocates about what other changes are needed to ensure that the ordinance is effective. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. Specifically, one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Rachel Beck
[email protected]
Oakland, California 94609
From: D'Marco Anthony <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 11:42 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comment item 5a
Hello, passing an anti-harassment policy would be an important action that would help protect tenants. And we definitely need strong tenant protections here in Concord.
Thank you,
-D'Marco J. Anthony
From: Jennifer Morales <[email protected]>
Date: June 14, 2022 at 12:44:34 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Jennifer Morales, tenant organizer with Monument Impact. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft anti-harassment ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low- income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
I urge the City Council to continue listening to tenants and their advocates about what other changes are needed to ensure that the ordinance is effective. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. Specifically, one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Jennifer Morales
[email protected]
concord, California 94520
From: Mary Hassett <[email protected]>
Date: June 14, 2022 at 12:55:33 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is _Mary Hassett and I am a Concord Resident I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft anti-harassment ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
I urge the City Council to continue listening to tenants and their advocates about what other changes are needed to ensure that the ordinance is effective. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. Specifically, one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Mary Hassett
[email protected]
Concord , Utah 84518
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 2:14 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Concord Council Meeting
I would like to voice my support of the Council’s renter’s rights agenda at tonight’s meeting:
I urge the council to accept all the recommendations submitted by members of Raise The Roof Coalition when members or clients are tenants.
Thank you,
Carolyn Peters
Member of Christ the King Church
Pleasant Hill
From: william goodwin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 2:41 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 4 a. Considering the draft Housing Element Update (HEU) and public comment.
Good Afternoon Mayor and City Council Members.
My name is William Goodwin. I submit to you my comments and concerns regarding the draft Housing Element Update for the City of Concord.
(1). The Housing Element Draft Plan shows that the displacement of renters, immigrants, and people of color is the number one fair housing problem in Concord.
• Rents in Concord have increased by over 44%, resulting in 54% of renters (or 10,000 households) paying more than 30% of their income, and over 5,000 of them paying more than 50% for housing.
• The plan notes that Black and Latinx residents are more likely to rent their homes and struggle to make ends meet due to racist policies in housing and employment. Specifically, 47% of Latinx residents and 57% of Black residents are forced to pay too much for housing in Concord. It is clear that Displacement is a racial justice issue.
• Years of testimony from residents makes it clear that–between rent increases and evictions–they are being pushed out of their communities and need the City of Concords to take immediate action to stop displacement. •
• The City of Concord claims that its “Residential Tenant Protection Program” is a success and should be continued. But if it is a success, then why are so many thousands of families (most of them Black and Latinx) still at risk of displacement? Conditions have gotten worse while the RTPP has been in place, not better.
• The data and resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent control and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale.
(2). The plan notes that rising rent is the main factor contributing to displacement. It indicates that in many neighborhoods, 40 to 80% of renters are forced to pay more than 30% of their income.
• Why then does the Sites Analysis call for encouraging moderate income and high-end development in the Monument as a way of “integrating the community?” Building high-end housing in low-income communities of color (that are already rent burdened) would only make displacement and fair housing problems worse, not better. Gentrification is not integration. • Without adequate tenant protections, policies that streamline market-rate development in sensitive communities will only accelerate displacement.
(3). The City of Concord needs more investment in Affordable Housing.
• Concord spends very little money on affordable housing. It has only contributed money to one affordable rental housing development in the last several years.
But the RHNA shows that Concord needs to provide over 2,000 affordable homes for low-income residents over the next 8 years.
•
• Concord needs to do more than just update its in lieu fees to invest in building and preserving more affordable homes. The City should consider solutions that are equal to the task at hand, such as a bond measure or taxes on high end real estate transactions, rental properties, and vacant properties. Without more money, the programs listed in this plan–like preserving at-risk rental properties or starting a CLT–will be ineffective.
•
•
• The only way to affirmatively further fair housing, as required by State law, is to build and preserve more affordable housing in sensitive communities and create real opportunities for low-income people to live in affluent, exclusionary neighborhoods if they choose to.
Thanks.
William Goodwin
From: Dwight Cotten <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment ordinance invites frivolous lawsuits against housing providers
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Dwight Cotten – Real Estate Broker (40 years) and Rental Property Manager
From: Azucena Torres <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:27:24 PM PDT
To: "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>, "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: Pass the anti-harassment policy
Hello my name is Azucena Torres and I’m in favor of the Anti- harassment policy because it protects tenants from the abuse of some landlords and owners, it would make Concord a safer place to live because people won’t be leaving with fear anymore, make Concord the city where Families DO CAME FIRST
Thank you
From: jima monson <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:15:07 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>
Cc: Rhea Laughlin <[email protected]>
Subject: ANTI HARASSMENT ORDINANCE
Reply-To: jima monson <[email protected]>
Good evening Mayor and council members,
My name is Jima Monson and I am a Concord resident for 22 years now. Please listen to our voices and pass the ANTI HARASSMENT POLICY to protect all tenants in Concord from abusive Landlord. This is very important for me and my daughter, and to all tenants to feel safe living in Concord. Thank you.
A Concord residence,
Jima Monson
From: Rocio Vallejo <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:14:00 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter
Mi nombre es Rocio Vallejo.
Yo vivo en Concord desde hace 7 años .
Pido de todo corazón unidos a muchas familias que haya un control de renta justo y que miren a las familias en su desesperado control de rentas y un respeto adecuado contra el acoso de Administradores y Gerentes de los departamentos que muchas veces son usados por los administradores. Es importantísimo pasar estas dos políticas justas y necesarias.
Gracias por escucharnos
Rocio Vallejo.
My Name is Rocio Vallejo
I want to ask with all my heart many families that there be fair rent control and that they look at the families in their desperate rent control and an adequate respect against the harassment of Administrators and Managers of the departments that are often used by the administrators . It is very important to pass these two fais and necessary policies .
Thank you for listening to us .
Rocio Vallejo
From: Claudia Vazquez <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 7:37:35 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, [email protected], "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, [email protected] Subject: LEY ANTIACOSO EN LA CUIDAD DE CONCORD,CA.
MI NOMBRE ES CLAUDIA VAZQUEZ ; VIVO EN LA CIUDAD DE CONCORD CA, DESDE HACE 14 AñOS.
ESTE CORREO ES PORQUE LES PIDO QUE HAGAN EFEC TIVO LA VOTACIÓN A FAVOR DE
AUTORIZAR ESTA LEY DE ANTIACOSO, PORQUE HE PERDIDO A MUCHOS DE MIS
FAMILIARES , AMIGOS Y AMIGAS , YA QUE POR ESE PROBLEMA HAN TENIDO QUE TRASLADARSE A VIVIR EN OTRA CIUDAD Y ESO PERJUDICA MUCHO A NUESTROS NIñOS Y COMUNIDAD . POR FAVOR DEBEN DE AUTORIZARLA PARA QUE ESTA CIUDAD SIGA SIENDO LA CIUDAD EN DONDE MIS HIJOS CREZCAN SIN MIEDO A VIVIR AQUÍ.
GRACIAS Y CUIDENSE MUCHO
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 7:34 PM
To: McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Anti-Harassment ordinance invites frivolous lawsuits against housing providers
I provide housing for three families in Concord at a rental rate $500 -1000 under market rate. If this passes I’m done and selling my three rental properties in Concord. Where will these three families go…
From: McAuley, Wendy
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Anti-Harassment ordinance invites frivolous lawsuits against housing providers
Thank you for your comments. They will be inserted into the record, posted to the website, and sent to the City Council for review prior to the Council Meeting on June 14th.
Wendy McAuley
Executive Assistant| Office of the City Manager & City Council City of Concord| Web: www.cityofconcord.org
(925) 671-3038 Email [email protected]
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:07 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment ordinance invites frivolous lawsuits against housing providers
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter ’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental ho using providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Joyce Kelly
From: Kim Deem <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 3:25 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Kim Coleman
Principal of Corporate Operations
CAL ENGINEERING & GEOLOGY, INC.
From: Elsie Mills <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2022, 7:48 PM
To: Hoffmeister, Laura
Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Currently Facing Harassment by A Few Unethical Landlords
Dear Concord City Council Members,
My name is Elsie Mills and I am a Concord tenant. I am emailing you to ask you to ensure that the Concord City Council is incorporating Concord tenant feedback in the draft of the anti- harassment ordinance to create a strong and enforceable policy. Right now a handful of unethical landlords are getting away with harassing their tenants, either directly or by using their property managers or contractors to do their dirty work. I am urging you to propose a strong and enforceable anti-harassment draft ordinance for the next City Council meeting in which this policy will be discussed. These few abusive landlords should face consequences if they don’t follow the law, which is exactly what we expect this ordinance to do by requiring them to pay the attorney fees of the harassed tenant. This is simply common sense. As your constituent, I am asking you to act immediately to protect my family and my community members from the threat of harassment by these wrongdoers. Please ensure that th e proposed draft of the anti- harassment ordinance for the City Council meeting is strong and enforceable and honors tenant feedback in order to stop harassment, intimidation and exploitation by abusive landlords. Thank you.
Elsie Mills
From: [email protected]
Date: June 12, 2022 at 10:23:50 AM PDT
To: "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>, "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]> , "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>
Subject: Tenant Protection Ordinance
Reply-To: "[email protected]" <m [email protected]>
Dear Council Members,
As you consider the proposed ordinance next Tuesday, please do all that you can to write it so that it truly addresses the grievances experienced by some of our most vulnerable Concord residents. I am aware that both property owners and tenants have recently face difficult issues and it is not all one sided. Any tenant has the right to a rental contract in his/ her own language for a clear understanding on both sides of expectations as well as a process for mediation when needed.
So many residents are counting on your help.
Dan and Madeleine Zywicki
From: Elsa Stevens <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:05:21 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is ______ and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Elsa Stevens
[email protected]
Richmond, California 94806
From: Amanda Montei <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 7:15:29 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is ______ and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Amanda Montei
[email protected]
Concord, California 94521
From: Jenee Sallee <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 4:09:09 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Jenee Sallee and I am a Concord resident, tenant, and community health nurse.
Interestingly, even with my public health Nurse Practitioner salary, I am finding myself priced out of homeownership in Concord.
I am one of many renter families emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no
sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Jenee Sallee
[email protected]
Concord, California 94519
From: Diana Bohn <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:40:24 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is ______ and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Diana Bohn
[email protected]
Berkeley, California 94707
From: Sheila Mason <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:40:36 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Sheila and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Ms. Sheila Mason
Sheila Mason
[email protected]
Dublin, California 94568
From: Elsie Mills <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:49:27 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Elsie Mills and I am a Concord resident. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Elsie Mills
[email protected]
Concord, California 94520
From: Mark Gotvald <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:49:45 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
“EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.”
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Mark Gotvald and I am a Concord ally. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the
landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Mark Gotvald
[email protected]
PLEASANT HILL, California 94523
From: Molly McGettigan <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:51:02 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is ______ and I am a Concord [tenant/resident/landlord/worker/ally]. I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low-income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Molly McGettigan
[email protected]
Tiburon, California 94920
From: Mich Levy <[email protected]>
Date: June 11, 2022 at 10:52:11 AM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: City Council Should Act Now to Protect Hundreds of Concord Families Facing Landlord Harassment and Displacement
Reply-To: [email protected]
Council Member Laura Hoffmeister,
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Mich Levy and I am a Concord ally writing from Oakland. When Concord residents have safe and secure housing, that helps us in Oakland, too.
I am emailing you to thank you for proposing a strong draft ordinance for the City Council meeting on June 14th and urge you to follow suit with other critical tenant protections such as rent stabilization and just cause for eviction, in order to stop the displacement of so many low- income working families. Certainly, taking action to stop harassment is a crucial first step toward creating safe and secure housing.
Regarding this ordinance, I appreciate that you listened to the needs of tenants who have actually experienced harassment with this second draft, and incorporated feedback around stronger remedies and penalties. The City’s additions and changes will make the ordinance a more effective and enforceable tool to stop the abuse by the few unscrupulous landlords who take advantage of vulnerable families.
For this reason, I urge the City Council not to make any changes to the language during Tuesday's meeting that would undermine the effectiveness of this ordinance. Tenants have been waiting for so long for this critical tool. But one area of concern is making sure that the landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law.
This would be unfair and serve to undermine the whole point of a lease agreement, which is a contract outlining the services, the rules and responsibilities upon moving in. It makes no sense that a landlord could change that without renter permission, especially since new and
unreasonable lease terms could put many more Concord residents on the street. (We have seen landlords taking away parking, or access to common areas, or adding additional costs).
Please ensure that landlords CANNOT unilaterally impose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless required by state law. This will ensure that this anti-harassment ordinance is actually able to help vulnerable Concord families, and help prevent Concord residents from losing their homes.
It is important to note, that while landlord harassment is one of the reasons that renters are often pushed out of their home, the other main reasons are housing affordability and threats of eviction. Data found by the City itself, along with resident testimony all point to the same thing: Concord must consider rent stabilization and eviction protections, which are proven to address displacement quickly and at scale. If the City continues to ignore these more meaningful solutions to help Concord residents stay housed, then we will continue to see more and more residents living on the streets and more working families pushed out of Concord.
Again, I want to urge the Council to take these critical three actions to prevent hundreds more Concord residents from becoming displaced: 1) Pass a strong anti-harassment ordinance, 2) pass a local “just cause” ordinance that prevents people from being evicted without any reason, and 3) take actions to stabilize skyrocketing rents.
Thank you.
Mich Levy
[email protected]
Oakland, California 94601
From: Dana Moldovan <[email protected]>
Date: June 7, 2022 at 12:16:59 PM PDT
To: "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: Please Drop or Vote No on the Proposed Background Screening Bans for Housing Providers
Greetings Vice Mayor Hoffmeister,
My name is Dana Moldovan. I'm a 41 year old woman who has lived in Concord since 1985.
I thought I would reach out to you with a concern.
I own a single family home in Concord that I rent out, and that is my source of income.
I am an honest and dedicated housing provider that offers a safe and reasonable housing solution for members of our community.
I am a homeowner that worked very hard to acquire my home and pay a mortgage as a single woman at the age of 32.
I ask that you please drop or vote no on the proposed background screening bans for housing providers.
If you were seeking a caregiver for your elderly parent, you would want a background check done.
If you were seeking a babysitter for your child, if it wasn't someone you already knew, you would want a background check.
If you were a business owner seeking an employee that would be responsible for public safety, or handling money, you would want a background check.
If I am seeking a resident, I believe I have a right to conduct a background check, before I turn over my well kept home to a stranger.
The proposed legislation ignores that there are programs in place for those with a criminal history.
The "Individualized Assessment" provided by HUD (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) shows that housing providers already have fair procedures in place that take the nature and severity of the criminal offense into consideration, along with reviewing evidence of rehabilitation.
R
egarding Credit History - unqualified renters will suffer. The rental criteria are there for the renter as much as they are for the housing provider. By waiving the criteria needed to rent successfully, this policy sets renters up for failure.
I respectfully ask that you consider dropping or voting no on the proposed background screening bans for housing providers. It would take away a critical tool for me to help set residents up for success.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Best Regards,
Dana Moldovan
Resident of Concord since 1985
From: Claudia Vazquez <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 7:37:35 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, [email protected], "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, [email protected] Subject: LEY ANTIACOSO EN LA CUIDAD DE CONCORD,CA.
M
I NOMBRE ES CLAUDIA VAZQUEZ ; VIVO EN LA CIUDAD DE CONCORD CA, DESDE HACE 14 AñOS.
ESTE CORREO ES PORQUE LES PIDO QUE HAGAN EFECTIVO LA VOTACIÓN A
FAVOR DE AUTORIZAR ESTA LEY DE ANTIACOSO, PORQUE HE PERDIDO A
MUCHOS DE MIS FAMILIARES , AMIGOS Y AMIGAS , YA QUE POR ESE
PROBLEMA HAN TENIDO QUE TRASLADARSE A VIVIR EN OTRA CIUDAD Y ESO PERJUDICA MUCHO A NUESTROS NIñOS Y COMUNIDAD . POR FAVOR DEBEN DE
AUTORIZARLA PARA QUE ESTA CIUDAD SIGA SIENDO LA CIUDAD EN DONDE MIS HIJOS CREZCAN SIN MIEDO A VIVIR AQUÍ.
GRACIAS Y CUIDENSE MUCHO
From: Rocio Vallejo <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:14:00 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> , "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter
Mi nombre es Rocio Vallejo.
Yo vivo en Concord desde hace 7 años .
Pido de todo corazón unidos a muchas familias que haya un control de renta justo y que miren a las familia s en su desesperado control de rentas y un respeto adecuado contra el acoso de Administradores y Gerent es de los departamentos que muchas veces son usados por los administradores. Es importantísimo pasar estas dos políticas justas y necesarias.
Gracias por escucharnos
Rocio Vallejo.
My Name is Rocio Vallejo
I want to ask with all my heart many families that there be fair rent control and that they look at the families in their desperate rent control and an adequate respect against the harassment of Administrators and Mana gers of the departments that are often used by the administrators . It is very important to pass these two fai s and necessary policies .
Thank you for listening to us .
Rocio Vallejo
From: jima monson <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:15:07 PM PDT
To: "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> , "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <[email protected]>, "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>
Cc: Rhea Laughlin <[email protected]>
Subject: ANTI HARASSMENT ORDINANCE
Reply-To: jima monson <[email protected]>
Good evening Mayor and council members,
My name is Jima Monson and I am a Concord resident for 22 years now. Please listen to our voices and pass the ANTI HARASSMENT POLICY to protect all tenants in Concord from abusive Landlord. This is very important for me and my daughter, and to all tenants to feel safe living in Concord. Thank you.
A Concord residence,
Jima Monson
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
From: Mignon <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:21 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Anti-Harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thank you,
Ada yu
From: Zhen Opet <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:52 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti Harassment ordinance
Dear City Council-
My husband and I have a single family home rental that we heavily rely on as part of our monthly income to pay bills. I read through the proposed ordinance and think there are many terms that are vague and can ultimately cause frivolous lawsuits against landlords that can devastate small family owners like my husband and I. We work very hard to maintain our rental in a great condition for our tenants, it costs a lot of money and time. We already have a lot of requirements in Concord and California and we take a lot of risks with tenants damaging property and not paying for the damages. We already deal with a lot of ambiguity such as what is “wear and tear” when tenant breaks things. We choose to repair things even when it seems that tenant doesn’t take proper care of the property not to get into ambiguous situations. With more and more regulations and requirements small landlords like us will be forced to sell property which will further deepen the housing crisis and devastate small owners . Please vote no on the anti harassment ordinance.
I am also wondering what ordinances do we have that protect small landlords and their property?
Thank you for the consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Evgenia
From: Wakefield, Jeanine <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 4:07 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti Harassment Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Jeanine Wakefield
Jeanine Wakefield
Realtor | Coldwell Banker Realty
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:07 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment ordinance invites frivolous lawsuits against housing providers
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Joyce Kelly
From: Tim Kearns <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 7:40 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-harassment ordinance
To Concord City council:
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely
Timothy Kearns
From: Cindy Brumley <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 6:11 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Cc: Greg Brumley <[email protected]>
Subject: Anti-Harrassment Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment ordinance. My family has provided quality housing for Concord families since 1964. We have worked hard to maintain our buildings to the highest standards, holding the utmost respect for our residents, many of whom have been with us for 10 years or more. Our longest resident has been with us for 27 years.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thank-you for your thoughtful consideration.
Cindy Brumley
Brumley Properties, LLC
From: Bay Area Rentals <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:03 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: NO on the anti-harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housin g providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:23 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: No Vote
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment ordinance. We agree with the basic tenets contained within the letter but added more verbiage below for consideration.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
We have owned our 5 Plex for 15+ years. we've vastly improved it, new laminate floors, new artificial turf in all yards, new appliances, all carpet removed and new flooring installed, renovated 2 bathrooms. We opt to maintain a clean safe series of units and we don't raise rents annually. Each unit is priced $300 -500 below market rate, our goal is to keep and retain tenants and achieve stability. But to force us to advise tenants 120 days before we ever decide to sell, that is an impossible ask of us. Many provisions of the Ordinance are simply geared to favor the tenants, where they suffer zero consequences and no downside, regardless of what strife they might create. The landlord on the other hand is penalized for any and every misstep.
We bought this complex as an investment, but your measure will impact value and the ability to sell at a fair price. Had any landlord envisioned your current plans, I would venture to say they would have invested their monies in other less restirctive cities.
The draft wording and background info say that Concord is 40% occupied by renters. Yet single family rental homes can be in complete disrepair, as in our neighborhood and they carry no downsides, it is those of us who own multi family units that bear the load, how fair is that???? Due diligence would suggest that you get a report on ALL rentals, regardless of
size or number of units, and asses each one using the standard you impose on us. You will see some eye opening data, if you are brave enough to commission such a study. Were I to venture a gues, I would surmise 50% of the single family rental homes would not pass your multi family inspection process, and they are exempt??? Why is that, it would appear you are going after low hanging fruit, which is NOT why you were elected to office, when you get done collecting low hanging fruit you get a ladder and exert more effort, to reach ALL of the branches.
With all due respect, this measure smells like vote pandering, landlords may not reside in Concord, but renters do, so playing up to renters is the goal, hammer the landlords, they are fewer and may not live in Concord jurisdiction, so the direction you take isn't neutral, by any stretch of the imagination. Be fair to all, remember, we aren't all big corporations, we are small investors.
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Neal & Chris Popp
owners of Carleton Apt complex
From: Peter Alevizos <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2022 8:42 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Our Harassment Ordinance Concern
6/11/22
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
Please, Please, Please vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Stop and think about either the unverified need for such an ordinance and especially to the real consequences, intended or not. What could possibly justify this extremely hostile to business proposal?
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that will turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly, from using such power to dishonestly extract monies from the owners who provide decent housing in our city.
The punishment outlined in this proposal OBVIOUSLY does not fit the crime. Under this proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair? How is such a poorly conceived one-sided ordinance even being seriously considered.
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
From: Benjamin Lenz <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 4:34 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Please don’t take things too far…
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
From: Larry Daly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 11:06 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: PLEASE VOTE NO ON PROPOSED ANTI-HARASSMENT ORDINANCE. -
Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council:
I have been a professional Property Manager in the City of Concord and surrounding cities for 47 years. We manage hundreds of properties day to day for local property owners and others who live in many other states and countries around the world.
I have seen up front and personal the costs, burdens, and hardships that ordinances like this one and others such as rent control, moratoriums on evictions and other restrictions can cause property owners. I strongly urge you to VOTE NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment Ordinance.
There are already many laws that protect tenants from every situation you can imagine. I have three local attorneys who have represented our firm in the past that have told me that even they often can’t figure out the Landlord Tenant Laws in the state and Concord. They tell me that there are federal laws, state laws, county laws and city laws that can and do differ, overlap, and conflict at times.
Everyone in the business knows the system in California is already pro tenant. The judges and the courts for the most part in Contra Costa County and statewide are liberal and most owners and managers know the courts and the laws are on the side of the tenants. Most managers and owners walk on eggshells when dealing with tenants, their deposits, and their rights etc. for fear of tenant lawsuits
.
In my opinion more unwarranted ordinances will only bring more litigation, more lawsuits, more hardships and ultimately will raise costs for everyone.
There are already so many laws on record already regarding discrimination, rent gouging, evictions, and habitability issues that there is absolutely no reason for more. The standard CAR and other Leases we use are up to 20 pages with addendums and include just about everything you can imagine to protect tenants so I doubt we need more ordinances.
The Anti- Harassment Ordinance is unfair to owners and is one sided. It only makes lawsuits more likely and therefore will drive investors and owners out of the rental market creating less rentals for tenants. Less rentals means higher rents and that is also bad for Concord.
I have leased about 11,000 properties over the years and managed about the same with very few problems and never regarding harassment or discrimination. I would guess that 90% of the problems we face are maintenance issues or with tenants who can’t or won’t pay rent and with tenants who have left substantial damages to a property after they have moved out. Most owners simply eat these costs and move on as it is just too difficult to pursue a tenant and then to try and collect.
If you continue to implement new ordinances, who will want to invest or own a property in Concord? In my current book of business, I lose about three properties each month as owners are leaving California for places like Idaho and Texas where they are not anti- owner. Franky many owners are just sick and tired of the cumbersome California Laws and Regulations that currently exist here.
Right now, I have three properties that I manage in Concord where the owners literally had to pay their tenants tens of thousands of dollars to get their tenant(s) to move out of their own properties due to state and city laws. The owners did nothing other than want possession of their properties back to either reoccupy or sell. In each of those cases the tenants Leases had long expired but the new laws forced these owners to basically pay extortion money to get their properties back.
I have two other owners who have not been able to collect rent in 6 -12 months, both of those owners have mortgages, tax payments and insurance payments but no one seems to care about the owners. I wish we could put a moratorium on attorney fees, city, and state taxes like the cities due to owners, but we all know that will never happen.
In Oakland and Berkeley right now they have a moratorium on all evictions period for any reason including nonpayment of rent, so how fair is that? But no one seems to care as long as the tenants as are protected, so who protects the owners? It seems to me that most tenants have invested zero in the real property they occupy yet they have most of the rights.
I manage a duplex in Concord that the owners recently decided to sell, the tenants got a pro bono local attorney to threaten to sue the owner for move out fees and because the law considers a duplex a commercial property, they somehow were entitled to $10,000 in extortion fees to move out. Additionally, the owners also had to spend thousands of dollars in attorney fees to negotiate a settlement to get their own property back.
Does C oncord really want to become Oakland? If so, take note that rental properties in Oakland and rent controlled cities have declined in value on average about 20%, And who would want to purchase a rental property that you can’t evict a tenant even for non-payment of rent, or where you cannot raise rents to offset cost of living and expenses of ownership.
It is getting so ridiculous an attorney we work with told us recently that managers and homeowners in some parts of Oakland can no longer run credit reports that include a criminal background search as it is considered discriminatory. Can you imagine not being able to know who you are placing in your rental property? We love Concord but laws like this one will only make ownership more and more difficult for Concord investors and property owners.
Sincerely,
Larry A. Daly
From: Todd Greisen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 10:36 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed ant-harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
I am not a landlord in Concord. I rent a home here. Even though I’m a renter, I have a rather unique perspective, because I’ve seen the anguish, financial strain, and other difficu lty landlords experience, when they have difficult tenants. I manage a home owners’ association of 328 condos - 80% of which are rental units.
Yes it is true. There are occasional abuses of tenants by their landlord. But there is already solid legal recourse available to these renters when that does occur.
With the pain our federal government, this state, and many municipalities have already burdened landlords with during COVID, this ordinance would just add to their wounds, many of which are still healing.
Are any of you councilmembers landlords? Do you think this will help add affordable housing to the market? If so, you are sadly mistaken. If you have any business sense, you’d recognize that the greater the cost and risk of becoming a landlord, as a source of revenue, the less likely you would want to be one in this State or City.
Ordinances like these have made it increasingly difficult for anyone to want to become, or continue to be, a landlord in Concord. Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a greater legal and financial liability. By voting yes, you actually contribute to the lack of affordable housing in our community.
Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance. I appreciate you taking time to read this.
Todd
From: Patty McGoldrick <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2022 12:08 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed Anti-Harassment Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely yours,
Patricia McGoldrick
From: Jenny Ou <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2022 9:37 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Strongly urge to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
My name is Jenny Chiu. I am a owner. In the past 2 years, my tenant did not pay rent. I did not push them to pay rent. We did our best to help them to fix and replace the house items.
My husband and I work very hard, and buy the property, hope we can get some financial support when we retire. My husband retired, and I am semi- retired. We are not a rich people. We work very very hard!
We always try our best to help our tenant. Even they broken the stair handrail ， dishwasher，Heater and clogged sink, etc. We did the repair or replace ASAP! My property manager only can communicate with our tenant by phone or text message. If we cannot text message or email to our tenant, how can we communicate with them?? Last year, we got a letter from Antioch city, there was a violation from my tenant. He put 2 scrap cars in front of the house. Antioch city requested moving the scrap cars. Otherwise, we could get penalty. We had to inform the tenant to move the cars. The way to contact the tenant is phone call or text massage. If we can't contact the tenant, how he can know?
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely
Jenny Chiu
From: Wenheng Zhao <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2022 9:36 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers.
This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Regards,
From: HELGA ROCK <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 10:29 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harrassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Helga Rock
From: Azucena Torres <[email protected]>
Date: June 8, 2022 at 8:27:24 PM PDT
To: "Obringer, Carlyn" <[email protected]>, "Aliano, Dominic" <[email protected]>, "Birsan, Edi" <[email protected]>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]> Subject: Pass the anti-harassment policy
Hello my name is Azucena Torres and I’m in favor of the Anti- harassment policy because it protects tenants from the abuse of some landlords and owners, it would make Concord a safer place to live because people won’t be leaving with fear anymore, make Concord the city where Families DO CAME FIRST
Thank you
From: Kristi Laughlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 8:34 PM
To: Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; Kain, Brenda <[email protected]>; Huckabay, Sophia <[email protected]>
Subject: TIME SENSITIVE: Memo about Anti-harassment ordinance
Hi Mayor Aliano, Council Members and City staff,
I am sharing a memo with from five community organizations who serve or whose membership consists of low-income tenants who are affected by harassment.
We are writing to thank you for bringing forth a new draft of an anti- harassment ordinance to be considered at tomorrow’s Council meeting, and for incorporating much of the feedback from tenants and their advocates. We know that you all have worked hard, and we believe we are CLOSE to an ordinance that is truly effective at protecting tenants from harassment.
Yet, this ordinance did surprise us with some new language that raises some serious concerns, which we have detailed in the memo. We urge you to address these, so that we can support this ordinance and all move forward in our mutual interest to protect vulnerable , low-income tenants from harm, trauma and the displacement that harassment causes.
Kristi
--
Kristi Laughlin
Senior Campaign Director
East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy
Memo
Date: June 13, 2022
To: City Council, City Manager and Housing Staff
From: East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, The Todos Santos Tenants Union, Monument Impact, Central County Regional Group, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Institute
Re: The new draft of the anti-harassment ordinance being considered by Council on 06/14/22
______________________________________________________________________________ Dear Mayor Aliano, Vice-Mayor Hoffmeister and Council Members Birsan, Obringer and McGallian and City Staff,
We are writing to thank you for bringing forth a new draft of an anti-harassment ordinance to be considered at tomorrow’s Council meeting. We appreciate that you did listen to our concerns from last December to include tenants and their advocates in this process and then provided a formal opportunity for input. We have seen much of the tenant feedback incorporated into this draft, so it offers more protection from the many forms of harassment that Concord residents have actually been experiencing. We thank you for also strengthening the remedies and penalties so that this ordinance can actually be enforceable and serve as a deterrent for harassing behaviors. With this version, we believe the City is very close to creating an effective tool for tenants who are suffering the harm and trauma of harassment by a few unscrupulous landlords.
However, we need to flag critical issues of concern that need to be addressed or they serve to undermine the effectiveness of this tool for protecting tenants. Since a draft was presented at the March 7th HED meeting, new language and issues have been added that raise concern.
Below, we are outlining seven issues of importance, but the first two are absolutely essential for us to be able to support this ordinance. We urge Council to address these so that we can emerge on Tuesday with an ordinance that is truly meaningful and not sprinkled with loopholes and mostly symbolic.
1. **The current draft does not correspond to housing law and by making this ordinance referential to Civil Harassment in the Definitions section, renders this whole ordinance useless from a legal standpoint. Anti-Tenant Harassment Ordinances are wholly different from civil harassment actions. The list of illegal behavior must be unlawful actions not evidence of general “civil harassment.”.
The structure of the proposed ordinance incorrectly funnels tenants into a civil harassment regime that has no lawful jurisdiction to enforce the specific behavior enumerated and a basis for a civil action for damages. It is not appropriate to incorporate a legal regime that does not align with landlord/ tenant law and it is very unclear how a court could consider an “evidence of” standard created by an anti-tenant harassment ordinance. Such a totality of the evidence standard stymies any effective enforcement because there would not be clarity and no real consequences for the behavior. Creating a list of evidence conflicts with the per act remedies section.
The enumerated conduct in the ordinance should not be "evidence of harassment," but harassment itself. Similarly, the ordinance should not define harassment as civil harassment. Civil harassment law is not specifically intended for landlord/tenant matters and does not pertain to all of the conduct this ordinance is intended to prevent. Instead, the ordinance should be clear that the listed conduct is itself harassment, so that landlords and tenants know what qualifies, rather than having to read case law on civil harassment to find out.
Proposed language: a) The definition of harassment in Section 19.50.010(b)(2) should be struck entirely. b) Section 19.50.020 should change "each of which shall constitute evidence of harassment" to "each of which shall constitute harassment."
2. **Landlords should not be able to unilaterally change a tenant’s lease(Policy option #2)
19.50.020(a)(5) We want option 5.A, which says that a landlord cannot unilaterally change a tenant's lease, not just with respect to housing services. This is unfair to allow landlords to unilaterally change the terms of what is a legal contract, and would leave tenants vulnerable.
3. Tenants deserve to be safe and do not want lock boxes (Policy option #3) Re: Access: 19.50.020(c)(4): Tenants do not want lock boxes, so we urge the language offered in option 4.B. This means that any and all realtors can have access to one's unit.
This is a safety and privacy concern. Also, Option 4.A is not actually necessary. It's already covered in the Civil Code 1954 section above. We ask that this section be eliminated.
4. Tenants should have a say over elective renovations (Policy option #1)
19.50.020(a)(1). We urge option 1.A. Option 1.B. seems to condone elective renovations that a tenant disagrees with, which may violate the law. Remember, this provision is not
talking about essential renovations that are needed for maintenance of a unit or health and safety. This is strictly about optional, elective renovations, and we have seen this as a tactic or strategy to harass tenants.
5. Keep landlords accountable for providing housing services - Close the potential loophole
19.50.020(a)(4): The language in this section that alludes to allowing the termination or interruption of housing services required by a rental agreement in the case of a local health or safety emergency should be narrowed in order to prevent potential loopholes. It should include language to explain that this only applies where the local health or safety emergency prevents the landlord from providing those services. Otherwise, it could suggest that any local emergency exempts a landlord from providing housing services.
Proposed language: It can be modified to read, "Terminate, interrupt, or fail to provide housing services required by a rental agreement except where prevented from providing services by a local health or safety emergency, or effecting (e.g. COVID-19 related gym facility closures, capacity restrictions, or hours limitations)"
6. Repairs should be done in a way that does not jeopardize health and safety [Habitability] 19.50.020(b)(2) - We urge the Council to add to the language around due diligence here to include taking safety precautions and following safety protocols . The current draft only states “Fail to exercise due diligence in completing such repairs once undertaken.”
Proposed language: Add "or fail to follow appropriate industry repair, containment or remediation protocols designed to minimize exposure to noise, dust, lead paint, mold, asbestos, or other building materials with potentially harmful health impacts, or fail to follow appropriate guidelines to protect against infectious diseases, or to use all other containment or remediation protocols designed to protect the health and safety of the occupancy of a property when completing repairs and maintenance."
7. This ordinance should protect all renters, regardless of the type of unit The definition of "tenancy" in section 19.50.010 b(9) still says "lawful occupation of residential real property." This means that tenants who may live in a non-permitted unit would not be included in this ordinance. But all tenants should be offered protections from harassment.
Proposed language: The language should be modified to say regardless of permitting/zoning status. (This definition could also be eliminated, as there is no reason to have this definition in the ordinance at all).
To summarize, we are urging Council to make all seven suggested changes on these important issues, three of which the City staff is actively seeking input. These policy provisions matter as
they reflect the lived experiences of tenants experiencing harassment and are all related to making this ordinance truly a USEFUL tool for tenants. But we also want to communicate that the first two issues we list are absolutely essential to making this Ordinance effective and something that we can support. We have provided simple, clear proposals for edits and alternative language to make it easy to address the remaining weaknesses in the Ordinance in an expeditious manner.
We trust that everybody--Council, City staff, tenants, community leaders and advocates are all ready to move forward together to stop harassment of Concord’s most vulnerable tenants by a few unscrupulous landlords. Passing a strong anti-harassment ordinance is an issue that has broad and deep support among Concord residents--tenants and homeowners alike. Having a safe and healthy home free from harassment is a value we all share.
Please incorporate these changes so that we can offer tenants immediate relief and not have to bring this back to Council again.
From: Jojo Tanos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 4:49 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Jojo Tanos
From: J Jones <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 4:57 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: VOTE NO
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Justin Jones
From: Mario Juricich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:11 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed rental ordinances
City Council Members,
I am a Concord resident with two rental properties in Concord. I have long -term tenants, and each property are priced well below fair market rental value. I have one tenant that has been there for 10 years, and the other tenant has been there for 30 years. Drastic pro renter ordinances will force me to consider selling these properties. This would result in my tenants having to find new properties and paying at least 30 to 50% more each month in rent. I consider these properties as my long -term retirement. Please consider the impact you would have on rental property owners like myself, and our long-term tenants.
Sincerely,
Mario Juricich
From: Wallace Freddie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:16 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
From: Wali Fedaie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:18 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thank You,
Wally
From: Janet Fedaie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:20 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Janet Fedaie
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:29 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti- Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Mike Handlin
From: Anthony Freddie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 6:03 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti- Harassment ordinance is a one- sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
I am too old to get a job, saved all my life to make a good living, maintain and treat all my tenants as family, take care of them, do regular repairs and maintenance as needed. I only increase my rents 1.2% annually although entitled to 8.5% as spelled out by AB1482 simply to keep up with sky rocking cos ts of building inspections that increased by 50% with no prior notice as required by law. Have left numerous messages for the building inspection department with no return calls so far. I have to deal with the rising costs of the building inspection department, garbage, water, sewer, city business license, and the sky rocking costs of PG&E burned with thanks to Governor Newsome and his hypocrisy.
Why are you driving me out of business? I'm no longer employable, have done my share for 50 years. What d id I ever do to anyone in this city of county to deserve this? I am amazed that you actually listen to the false claims and same ridiculous written and read over and over by same bad actors who do not even have the decency to write somewhat different scripts about their false claims yet here we are. The so called renters advocates, what taxes have they paid? What have they done to make this city better or you the city counsel for that matter? The renters advocates do not even live in this city and commu nity but I do. Who are they to bully me by having you pass this horrible and unjust ordinance?
How much are you being paid to pass this ordinance? God has gifted you with the gift of common sense, please use it and do not make life difficult for me and my wife who have already suffered so much through Covid-19 and now this?
Thank You,
Anthony
From: Howard Geller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 9:55 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject:
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Your name
Howard Geller
From: Anthony Freddie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 10:56 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Stop the Legalized Shakedown in Concord
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental hous ing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Please explain and justify the following for the record:
1. Why have the idiodic building inspection increased your useless and unnecessary fees by 50% with no justification or notice?
2. Why were the sewer fees increased by $45 with no justification and the city of Concord has 26% stake with no voice or vote in the matter?
3. Why s ky rocketting pricing increases by PG&E with no justification or explanation whatsoever? That is because the PG&E offerred millions to our incompetent Governor?
4. Why will the stupid DA not prosecute anyone at all? Cops will not arrest anyone or charge anyone for any crime why?
5. Who the fuck are the renter's advocates, why are they given any stake in this matter or any matter whatsoever? Do they pay property taxes? Do they even reside in this city or county?
6. Please tell your idiot actors to do a better job of reading the same ridiculous scripts in spanish, english with the same wordings and false statements, please stop it. I do not know if this city counsel is so stupid and incompetent that they do not know the difference between the truth and flat out lies.
7. How much are the so called renters advocates offering you to vote their way or should I state Michael Weinstein?
8. How much is this corrupt city counsel and the joke of the police department being paid to ignore the ongoing drug pusher acting as the homeless who you refuse to get rid off of or arrest no matter what.
10. Have any of you ever read the US constitution? Government by the people for the people not for free loaders for the free loaders.
11. President damass Biden is paying over 40 billion dollars to Ukraine to fight the Russians.
We need only 5 -10 million dollars to fight the US grown communist like the renters advocates, Michael Weinstein, and this city counsel.
12. You mindless morons are going to pass this moronic ordinance anyway but wait till we file a federal suit against you idiots personally, the city, and the county like the Alameda County housing providers since thankfully we have conservative judges in federal courts as well as the supreme court and we will let the chips fall where they may.
Anthony
From: Camille Calenda <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 6:07 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Opposition to #5A
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I ask you to please vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
We don’t understand why California is so against rental property owners. Ordinances like this are why so many owners are leaving California and going to other states. Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thank you
Camille Calenda
From: Wendy Moore <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 7:59 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Wendy Moore
From: Nick Calenda <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 8:33 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Opposition to #5A
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I ask you to please vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance.
We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into a litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
We don’t understand why California is so against rental property owners. Ordinances like this are why so many owners are leaving California and going to other states. Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Thanks,
Nick
From: Houke, Kari <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 9:04 AM
Cc: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Today's vote on Anti-Harassment
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Best regards,
Kari Houke
From: Trish Elste <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 9:17 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Anti-Harassment
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Owners have the right to protect their investment and their livelihood.
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Trish Elste
From: LOU RITTHALER <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 11:51 AM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: No on the Anti Harassmet-Ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Lou Ritthaler
From: Julie Hayes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 12:02 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Please vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord City Council,
I strongly urge you to vote NO on the proposed Anti-Harassment ordinance. We already have a robust set of existing laws that protect renters from discrimination, rent gouging, eviction, and habitability issues. All of these, including threats to violate a renter’s covenant of quiet enjoyment, are codified under State laws.
The Anti-Harassment ordinance is a one-sided proposal that only seeks to turn Concord into litigious environment for rental housing providers. This ordinance is nothing more than a legalized shakedown, aimed at making it easier for lawyers to sue rental housing providers for providing basic services such as communicating to renters electronically and updating rental units.
Protection from harassment goes both ways. Where is the protection for rental housing providers from a renter behaving badly?
The punishment outlined in this proposal does not fit the crime. Under your proposal, I could be fined a minimum of $10,000 plus legal fees if I inadvertently send a text message to a renter who's opted out -- even during an emergency. How is this fair?
Don’t make providing housing for Concord renters a legal and financial liability. Please vote NO on the Anti-Harassment ordinance.
Sincerely,
Julie Hayes
Realtor #02092942
Residential Tenant Anti-Harassment
Protection Ordinance
CRAIG WHITTOM , MRG CONSULTANT
JUNE 14, 2022
1
Purpose
Review the proposed “Residential Tenant Anti-Harassment P
rotection” ordinance recommended by HED and consider
introducing the ordinance on first reading
2
Presentation Organization
•Background r egarding this issue before the City Council •Ordinance c hanges since December 14, 2021
•Three polic y decisions the HED recommended the full City Council consider
•Public Comme nts
•City Counc il action on the three policy options
•Introduce or dinance on first reading
3
Background
•City Counc il referred issue to HED (6/21/21)
•HED r eceived staff and stakeholder input (9/29/21)
•HED dir ected staff to draft ordinance for City Council consideration (10/6/21)
•City Counc il reviewed draft ordinance, requested
additional stakeholder input and referred to HED
(12/14/21)
4
Background
•Staff s olicited input from stakeholders regarding proposed changes to the 12/14/21 ordinance (January 2022)
•Input w as received from Raise the Roof Coalition, Todos Santos Tenants’ Union and the CA Apartment Association
(attached to the staff report)
•HED r
eviewed a revised ordinance, received staff and
stakeholder input and directed staff to prepare a further revised ordinance for City Council consideration (3/7/22) 5
Proposed Ordinance
•A red- line to the 12/14/21 version is attached to the staff report to highlight changes since the City Council last reviewed a draft ordinance
•Balances City Council comments on 12/14/21,
s
takeholders’ proposed changes to the ordinance and staff input
•Includes additional HED direction received on 3/4/22
6
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.010 – Purpose; Definitions; Citation.
•Added de finitions of “housing services” and “rental unit” and modified “tenant” definition
•Provides gr eater clarity to the housing services provided in a lease
7
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.020 – Prohibition of Residential Tenant Harassment •Quiet Enjoyment – pr ovides greater specificity to limit landlord access that harasses a tenant
•Access - r equires enhanced communication from landlords regarding unit entries
•Forced Vacation – r estricts removal of a housing service for the purpose of causing the tenant to vacate the unit 8
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.020 – Prohibition of Residential Tenant Harassment (continued)
•Misrepresentation – pr ovides greater specificity to
prohibit landlord misrepresentations as a means of
causing the tenant to vacate a unit
•Rent Payments – ad dresses a tenant’s right to rental
receipts and a tenant’s rights to make rent payments by various means
9
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.020 – Prohibition of Residential Tenant Harassment (continued)
•Privacy – br oadens the type of identification that can satisfy landlord’s request for identification
•Tenant Unions – a dds greater specificity regarding a
tenant’s rights to distribute literature and includes a restatement of tenant rights under California Civil Code Section 1942.6
10
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.020 – Prohibition of Residential Tenant Harassment (continued)
•Other Acts – c larifies methods of communication between a landlord and a tenant.
•Other Acts - pr ohibits repeated acts or omissions by
landlords of such significance as to interfere with the occupancy of the unit and cause the tenant to vacate or surrender the unit
11
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.030 – Landlord Retaliation Prohibited
•Clarifies section regarding landlord retaliation against a t
enant for lawfully and peaceably exercising their legal rights
12
Proposed Ordinance Changes
19.50.040 – Remedies and Penalties
•Provides authority for tenants to collect financial damages a
nd any other relief that the court deems appropriate in the event a court finds a landlord has violated the
ordinance.
13
Policy Decision #1
Elective Renovations - Prohibited landlord activity
A. Conduct el ective renovation or construction of a rental unit without the tenant’s express written advance permission.
B. Conduct el ective renovation or construction of a rental unit for the purpose of harassing a tenant, with intent to terminate a tenancy.
14
Policy Decision #2
Material Terms of Tenancy - Prohibited landlord activity A. Unilaterally im pose or require an existing tenant to agree to new material terms of tenancy or a new rental agreement, unless the change in the terms of the tenancy is authorized pursuant to state law, including Civil Code Sections 1946.2(f), 1947.5, or 1947.12, or required by Federal, State, or local law or regulatory agreement with a government agency.
B. Prohibition abo
ve limited to Housing Services only.
15
Policy Decision #3
Abuse of Right of Access - Prohibited landlord action
A. Entry t o show the residential real property to a prospective or actual purchaser (if the landlord has not notified the tenant in writing within 120 days of the oral notice that the property is for sale and the tenant was informed they may be contacted to allow for an inspection)
B. Same a
s Option 4.A but adding the following clause “or placing a “lock box” on residential real property for the purpose of showing such residential real property to a prospective or actual purchaser” at the end.
16
Council Questions and Action Items
• Public Comment
• Direction on the Three Policy Options
• Introduce Ordinance and Waive Further Reading
17