HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/24/2026 Item 4a, Updegrove
Graham Updegrove <graham@ccreslo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 24,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:February 24 Study Session - Renter Protections
Dear Mayor Stewart and Councilmembers,
I support safe and stable for all City residents. That being said, a rental registry does not improve housing
conditions. A registry requires additional staff resources and City funds without clear benefit to renters.
As a real estate broker, I experience the plight of both renters and hopeful home buyers on a daily basis.
We live is a desirable area and housing costs are high. This is a systemic and generational issue and as a
City, we need to continue encouraging new / infill development to ease supply side constraints.
In terms of safe housing, let’s strengthen code enforcements ability to adequately address the few
landlords who do not address tenant concerns. After reviewing code enforcement cases over ~19
months, it is evident that habitability claims are far and few between. Let’s also empower tenants to
speak up / take action when issues arise in their rental property. Providing financial assistance to a 3rd
party entity (i.e. mediation or legal resources) to help residents with tenant/landlord disputes is a much
better use of City funds than a rental registry, especially at a time when many Cities are facing fiscal
deficits.
Below are action items that I believe directly help address concerns regarding tenant safety and stability.
Please remain open to alternatives other than a rental registry, which are more efficient and effective at
addressing the root problem. Thank you for you time and consideration.
Policy
1. Promote tenant / landlord education regarding basic safety standards in rental properties.
2. Support tenant advocacy resources.
3. Improve compliance of rental property business license requirements.
4. Improve data collection of property rentals within City limits.
Implementation
Tenant / Landlord Education
Collaborate with Cal Poly and Cuesta to hold tenant education workshops throughout the year,
especially around move-in, move out timeframes. Enhance Cal Poly’s Educated Renter
Certificate Program. Encourage Cuesta to create a similar program.
Generate a 1-page flyer with basic health and safety standards for rental properties. Disseminate
the flyer through direct mail, tenant workshops or other outreach.
Consider City supported (not led) educational seminars.
Encourage tenants to educate themselves about their rights via the CA Department of Consumer
Affairs Landlord/Tenant Guide Book.
Tenant Advocacy
Financially support tenant advocacy groups and/or mediation services which provide tenants a
resource to contact when they have issues with their landlords
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Avoid City employees being involved with landlord/tenant civil disputes.
Bolster communication to landlords regarding City goals of improved rental property conditions
and quality of life for tenants.
Business License Compliance
Re-name business license to “Rental Property License” or similar. Amend the existing business
license form to capture basic rental data, if desired. Utilize an online platform for landlords to
complete their License requirements to streamline the process and ease the burden of data
management.
Craft consequences for landlords who don’t comply with the Rental Property License and
generate exemption requirements that must be provided to avoid License fees. Amend the
existing ordinance if needed.
Send a letter to all suspected landlords notifying them of the business license requirement and
further enforcement.
Rental Data Collection
Request voluntary data from service professionals who already have the information desired by
the City such as property managers or appraisers. Review Zillow rental data and/or use a paid
service like Co-Star which already has significant market data and analytics.
Put out a RFP for a point-in-time study capturing information desired. This reduces overall costs
and eliminates the need for additional staffing.
Regards,
Graham Updegrove
Broker / Owner, Lic #01873454
California Coastal Real Estate I www.ccreslo.com
c: 805.459.1865
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