HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/24/2026 Item 4a, Gray
From:David Gray <dgray@Midstate-cal.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Against creation of a rental registry
Dear Mayor Stewart and City Council,
I am writing ahead of Tuesday’s study session on 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. Every day I work with renters, housing seekers and providers. I appreciate the City taking
time to study this issue before considering any formal program.
I am against creation of a rental registry.
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 clear evidence and a demonstrated
need.
In San Luis Obispo, there are approximately 8,000 or more 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 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 is also important to note that rental registries are relatively uncommon across California. Of the
roughly 35 cities that have adopted rental registries, fewer than 10 percent of California cities overall, 31
of those cities also have rent control or formal rental inspection programs in place. This suggests
registries are typically implemented as part of broader regulatory frameworks and a first step to rent
control, not as standalone programs.
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 remaining 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, maintenance, and streamlining the creation of
more housing, while using existing tools to address bad actors and safety concerns.
We all share the goal of safe, stable housing. A rental registry is not the right tool for our community.
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Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
David Gray
Mid-State Realty
1320 Archer St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Office: (805)543-1500
cell: (805)235-2500
email: dgray@midstate-cal.com
Lic: 00663517
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