Repeal the Rent Ordinance. Protect Tenants the Right Way.

Why I support repeal.

The Council introduced the law at its July 7 meeting. It adopted the law as Item 8 on the September 1 consent calendar. Safe housing matters, but this citywide system is not the answer.

The second-reading packet includes the law and public comments. Joshua Handrich asked for clear consent and warrant rules, no penalties for refusing warrantless entry, an independent hearing officer, and advance notice before the City sought an inspection warrant.

Other residents questioned the lack of local evidence, program costs, large penalties, and burdens on responsible property owners. They asked why the City could not strengthen the code enforcement tools it already has.

These concerns were specific and serious. The official packet includes them, but the published record does not show a written answer before adoption. A law affecting homes, tenant records, housing costs, and major fines deserved clear public answers.

As a councilmember, I will work to repeal the rent ordinance. We can protect tenants and hold negligent landlords accountable without forcing responsible renters and property owners into another layer of bureaucracy.