Pomona Delays Urgency Ordinance on Radically Increased Relocation Fees
The Pomona City Council temporarily delayed consideration of an urgency ordinance at their Monday, April 3rd meeting that would drastically increase relocation fee requirements for rental property owners. The urgency ordinance would require multifamily property owners to pay a maximum of $22,950 to renters in the case of “No Fault” evictions depending on the renter’s length of tenancy, factors related to age or disability or minor children, and household income. This is a substantial increase from the existing urgency ordinance that requires relocation fees equal to two months’ worth of rent plus $1,000.
The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA) engaged City Council members and submitted a formal comment letter to the full Council (see link below) expressing our strong opposition to this latest urgency ordinance. AAGLA specifically pointed out the complete lack of data from City staff regarding the impact of the existing ordinance (number renters receiving relocation fees, number of owners paying relocation fees, specific No Fault reasons given for relocation, number of properties involved, etc.) and lack of analysis as to actual moving costs incurred by renters. AAGLA also argued that any such government forced financial aid from private small businesses should be limited to only those renters in need based on household incomes at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).
AAGLA anticipates this new urgency ordinance will be voted on by the full City Council at the next City Council meeting on April 17th. The urgency ordinance requires a five-sevenths (5/7) vote of the Council present to be adopted. AAGLA will continue to engage with City Council members to oppose this ordinance. For AAGLA members that would like to join staff for individual meetings with City Council members, please email Janet M. Gagnon, Director, Government Affairs and External Relations at janet@aagla.org. We will alert our members when this issue again appears on the City Council’s agenda.
This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions regarding your property or specific tenancies and the requirements of any local law changes described herein, please consult with an attorney.