REPORT TO HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Requirements for a Tenant Protections and Right to Lease Ordinance (Study Issue)
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 12, 2020, City Council approved the Housing Strategy (RTC No. 20-0809), which resulted from a cumulation of many workshops, outreach meetings and several public hearings. The Housing Strategy identified areas for improvement to current programs as well as new programs to consider for Sunnyvale's growing population and housing needs. Two items from the Housing Strategy that emerged as Tier 1 and 2 items were a relocation assistance requirement for no-fault just cause evictions and a right to lease requirement for landlords to offer tenants a longer-term lease rather than just month-to-month tenancy. The right to lease component of this ordinance was also a 2019 Study Issue (CDD 18-0710). City staff realized an opportunity to combine both projects into one and named it Tenant Protections. If approved, the resulting Ordinance will become part of Sunnyvale's Municipal Code.
The Housing and Human Services Commission (HHSC) was originally scheduled to review this item on August 24, 2022; the HHSC continued the discussion to the meeting of September 21, 2022. At this point only the main provisions of the ordinance will be considered. Staff will return to the HHSC with an ordinance. The Planning Commission continued their scheduled September 12, 2022 hearing on this topic to September 26, 2022. Ultimately the City Council will consider an ordinance addressing tenant protections and right to lease.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale General Plan, Housing Element
GOAL HE-1 Adequate Housing: Assist in the provision of adequate housing to meet the diverse needs of Sunnyvale's households of all income levels.
GOAL HE-2 Enhanced Housing Conditions and Affordability: Maintain and enhance the conditions and affordability of existing housing in Sunnyvale.
Goal HE-5 Equal Housing Opportunities: Promote...
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