HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/24/2026 Item 4a, Moss
Michael Moss <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Rental Registry Study Session 4a
Dear Mayor Stewart and City Council,
I’m a local real estate professional writing ahead of Tuesday’s study session regarding the potential
creation of a rental registry.
I care deeply about safe housing, strong neighborhoods, and the long-term health of San Luis Obispo’s
housing market. I work with renters, housing seekers, and housing providers every day, and I appreciate
the City taking time to study this issue before considering any formal program.
As you consider a rental registry, I’d respectfully ask the Council to pause and make sure there is clear,
objective data showing that a new program is truly necessary—and that it would meaningfully solve a
clearly defined problem.
I understand there is strong advocacy and pressure around renter issues, and those voices deserve to be
heard. At the same time, new regulations should be grounded in evidence and a demonstrated need.
In San Luis Obispo, there are approximately 8,000+ professionally managed rental units. These
properties already operate under strict management standards, existing health and safety laws, and
state regulations, and they are not an identified source of systemic problems.
California also already has strong statewide tenant protections in place. State law limits annual rent
increases for most rental housing and includes just-cause eviction requirements, creating a
comprehensive framework that applies across our community.
It’s also worth noting that rental registries are relatively uncommon across California. Of the roughly 35
cities that have adopted rental registries—fewer than 10% of California cities overall—31 of those cities
also have rent control or formal rental inspection programs in place. That suggests registries are typically
implemented as part of broader regulatory frameworks, not as standalone programs—and are often a
first step toward rent control.
Many local rental homes are owned by small, local housing providers who have invested their savings
and retirement into these properties. When new layers of regulation, fees, and administrative
requirements are introduced, some owners will decide it is no longer worth staying in the rental market.
Others may delay maintenance or reinvestment due to rising costs and uncertainty. Fewer rental homes
and reduced reinvestment ultimately lead to higher rents and less housing availability.
City policies should focus on encouraging investment, supporting maintenance, and streamlining the
creation of more housing—while using existing tools to address bad actors and safety concerns.
Before moving forward, I urge the City to:
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Clearly identify the specific problems a registry is intended to solve, and how success would be
measured
Evaluate whether existing enforcement tools, education, and outreach could address concerns
without creating new regulatory layers
Fully assess long-term administrative costs and staffing needs
We all share the goal of safe, stable housing. I appreciate your time and your thoughtful consideration,
and I hope the City will take a careful, balanced, data-driven approach in deciding whether a rental
registry is truly the right tool for our community.
Thank you,
Mike Moss
Comet Realty
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