21-0276 2) A Resolution Adopting Amendments To The Rent Adjustment Program Regulations To (1) Comply With Ordinance No. 13608 C.M.S.; (2) Make Clean Up Changes And Eliminate Duplicative Definitions; And (3) Make Failure To Occupy As A Principal Residence Grounds For A Rent Increase Above The Consumer Price Index Adjustment
I oppose allowing owners to petition for an unlimited rent increase when a tenant does not reside in the unit as their principal residence. This will only encourage landlord harassment and an invasion of tenants' privacy. Oakland should not, especially now, be allowing more rental units to be bumped up to market rate. If this ordinance is targeting AirBnBs, it is unfair that there would be a burden placed on tenants with absolutely no repercussions to property owners who rent out their rent-controlled units as short-term rentals, especially since it is my understanding that most permanent AirBnBs are rented out by property owners, not by tenants.
I oppose allowing owners to petition for an unlimited rent increase when a tenant does not reside in the unit as their principal residence. This will only encourage landlord harassment and an invasion of tenants' privacy. Oakland should not, especially now, be allowing more rental units to be bumped up to market rate. If this ordinance is targeting AirBnBs, it is unfair that there would be a burden placed on tenants with absolutely no repercussions to property owners who rent out their rent-controlled units as short-term rentals, especially since it is my understanding that most permanent AirBnBs are rented out by property owners, not by tenants.