Pro Bono News

Tenants, landlords slam Marin rent hike mediation plan (CA)

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

Tenants, landlords slam Marin rent hike mediation plan

 

"Searching for a way to make a dent in Marin’s deepening affordable housing crisis, the Marin County Board of Supervisors is moving forward with a “mandatory mediation” ordinance.

The ordinance would require landlords seeking rent increases over 5 percent during a 12-month period to enter into mediation with their tenants. The mediation would be non-binding and would not prevent landlords from ultimately imposing whatever rent increase they want.

The plan drew criticism from housing activists and landlords.

After the board rejected a Community Development Agency staff recommendation for rent stabilization in 2015, housing advocates lobbied supervisors to approve a “just cause for eviction” ordinance. But Tuesday, the board also rejected that idea — at least for now — opting instead for mandatory mediation..."

Continue reading