HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/28/2025 Item 5a, Watkins
City of San Luis Obispo, CA <slocitywebmaster@enotify.visioninternet.com>
Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:36 AM
To:Feedback
Subject:Feedback for City of San Luis Obispo, CA
You have received this feedback from Richard Watkins < > for the following
page:
https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council
Dear Mayor and Council Members, As a local REALTOR® and former broker of a property management
firm I’m writing to share thoughts on the City’s interest in renter protections and a potential rental
registry. REALTORS® are generally committed to promoting safe, habitable housing in their communities.
Those who provide housing through investment properties are also our clients. Rental homes represent a
vital part of their current income and for some a retirement plan. San Luis Obispo tried a rental
inspection program. It was discontinued because it was costly, inefficient, and unpopular with renters
AND property owners. A similar program under a new name is not likely to fair any better as explained
below. California already has strong tenant protections through AB 1482 and state habitability laws.
Local Code Enforcement already has the tools to address unsafe housing conditions. Another layer of
regulation won’t address the real issue—consistent enforcement of existing laws. Privacy Concerns for
Renters and Owners Protecting personal information should remain a top priority. Costs Will Fall on
Renters Any new fees or compliance costs will inevitably be passed down to tenants in the form of higher
rents. Better Alternatives Use the existing business license requirement, perhaps modifying it to require
owners to list their rental properties. Establish a rental assistance program to directly help tenants in
need rather than adding bureaucracy. Rental registries are often the first step toward rent control
policies. We strongly oppose them. Thank you for considering the perspective of those of us who work
with housing every day. We focus on quality homes for all San Luis Obispo residents, but believe that
enforcement, education, and partnership will be more effective more regulation. Thank you for your
service to the City and for your commitment to addressing housing challenges in San Luis Obispo. We
REALTORS® share that commitment and are eager to assist the City in developing effective education,
outreach to further ensure safe and attainable housing for the City’s residents.
1