Ojai takes initial step to restrict rent increases for apartments
Landlords of Ojai apartments will soon be restricted in how much they can increase rent and how they evict tenants.
The Ojai City Council gave initial approval to new rules for rent stabilization and just-cause evictions. The ordinance caps annual increases at 4% for apartments and prohibits landlords from evicting tenants to raise rent.
The proposal was supported by a council majority with two council members abstaining.
"We have a huge equity problem," said Mayor Betsy Stix, who voted in favor of the rules, saying the panel's moral responsibility was to help people stay in their homes.
The ordinance would apply to existing tenants of apartment buildings constructed before February 1995.
Landlords can apply to the city's community development director if they want to raise rents more than 4%.
Tenants evicted for a no-fault reason could qualify for relocation assistance of two months' rent or $5,000, whichever is greater.
City Manager James Vega said he doesn't have staff to enforce all violations and would likely go after the most egregious cases with citations. Key penalties could be civil lawsuits brought by tenants that could make a landlord liable for damages and the tenant's legal costs, he said.
Ojai officials looked at similar ordinances in Oxnard and Bell Gardens as they crafted the proposed rules.
Council members Suza Francina and Leslie Rule abstained.
"There's just so many things in here I'm not comfortable with," said Francina, who felt landlords were not protected compared to tenants. Rule wanted staff to look at more data and speak with experts.
Many residents who spoke during public comment supported the ordinance, citing a lack of help for renters who were being priced out.
Some property owners told the council the protections go too far and they can't make money.
The ordinance has an estimated cost of $125,000 including staff time to register properties, respond to complaints and provide outreach.
The estimated number of affected apartments wasn't available as of Thursday afternoon.
The ordinance is set for final approval on March 28, said Kiara Nowlin, city spokeswoman, and would become effective 30 days later.
This story may be updated.
Wes Woods II covers the West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ojai takes step to restrict apartment rent increases, evictions
