Here’s what a vote for Measure P would do

Richmond’s rent control measure—Measure L—has passed with over 63 percent of the vote. Photo by Catherine Schuknecht.

Richmond voters are being asked on the November ballot to boost rent control measures so that tenants in controlled units would experience no more than a 3% rent hike.  If Measure P is approved, it would keep those tenants from potentially receiving a much higher rent increase that is based on the consumer price index.…

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The battle over rent control in the East Bay

Norma Sanchez and her family

As rents and home prices continue to skyrocket across California, a major ballot fight is brewing between tenants and the real estate industry over the state rent control law Costa Hawkins. The law prohibits cities from implementing rent control on single family homes as well as homes or apartments built after 1995 (or the year…

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Community members voice concerns over raising rents in Richmond

Dozens of Richmond residents come together to discuss the current issue of rent control. (Photo by Brittany Kirstin)

More than a dozen Richmond residents complained of big rent increases during a community forum last week. Richmond’s City Council enacted rent control legislation in July, and the controls were due to take effect in late August. Instead, the ordinance was suspended. Now, some Richmond tenants say they are suffering a consequence that nobody at City Hall may have intended.

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Richmond Progressive Alliance revives campaign for stronger tenant protections

Advocates for stronger tenant protections in Richmond received support last week when the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) decided to join their efforts. The RPA is an influential political player in the city, with members—Jovanka Beckles, Eduardo Martinez, and Gayle McLaughlin—holding three of the seven seats on the city council. The group’s steering committee voted on Wednesday…

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