Expand Tenant Protections:
Rescinding the Rent Registry Ordinance
and Program to Support
New Rent Review Program
Economic Development, Housing &
Project Management Standing Committee
May 13, 2026
❑ On May 1, 2023, the City Council approved the FY 2023-25 City of San Pablo City Council Priority Workplan, which included:
▪ #308: Dedicate resources to create a new rental registry (w/ fees to offset city costs) for available San Pablo Housing Opportunities
❑ City Council adopted an ordinance that established a rent registry program ❑ The Rent Registry program was established in Summer 2024 ❑ The City contracted with HdL Companies to administer the Rent Registry Program ❑ City Council adopted a Resolution on February 19, 2026 directing staff to rescind the Rental Registry Ordinance and Draft a Rent Review Ordinance Background
❑ Economic Development & Housing Staff convened a stakeholder workshop on April 22, 2026 with:
❑ ECHO Housing
❑ California Apartment Association
❑ San Pablo Economic Development Corporation
❑ Genoveva Calloway
❑ (ACCE, Rising Juntos, Movement Legal invited but didn’t participate) ❑ Future workshop planned with Mobile Home Park residents on May 28, 2026 in Maple Hall
❑ New San Pablo Housing Hub Webpage launched for the public and engagement https://sanpabloca.gov/housinghub
Background Cont.
Summary of concerns received by staff:
❑ Customers have complained about customer service (third party) ❑ Staff time utilized due to customers at counter, phone calls etc. ❑ Property owners have questioned the benefits the community ▪ How does this benefit Tenants?
▪ How does this benefit Housing Providers & Property Owners? ❑ Property owners have asked why the need to provide property information if City has access to that information
❑ No realistic penalty for non-registration or non-payment ❑ Confusion between all rental housing programs (Business License, RH&S, & Rent Registry) ▪ What’s the difference?
▪ Difference criteria and fees for each program?
Rent Registry Feedback
Rationale:
❑ Customer Service Challenges
▪ Third-party administration still requires City staff time (counter, calls) ❑ Unclear Community Benefits
▪ Property owners question benefits for tenants and housing providers ▪ Redundant property information requests
❑ Redundant Fee’s and Registration Requirements
❑ Non-Verifiable Data
▪ Unable for staff to use data to inform policy because its anecdotal ❑ More Up to Date Data Can be Obtained on other Platforms at No Cost ▪ Annual reporting results in outdated information
▪ Rental rates fluctuate and the program isn’t designed to capture the changes Rent Registry Feedback
1. Receive presentation; and
2. Recommend Ordinance rescinding the Rent Registry to the City Council for formal consideration and approval; and
3. Continue prepare and draft the New Rental Review Ordinance and Program pursuant to FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan Amendment #2 adopted on 03/30/26 per Reso. #2026-041.
Staff Recommended Action