We Won! Port Hueneme City Council Soundly Rejects Rent Stabilization and Additional Restrictions
A Resounding Victory for Safe and Affordable Rental Housing
At its October 2nd meeting, the Port Hueneme City Council debated rent stabilization, expanded restrictions on No-Fault evictions and substantially increased relocation fees modeled on similar, severely harmful ordinances passed last year in the cities of Oxnard and Bell Gardens.
We are glad to announce that the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA) achieved a significant victory by defeating ALL of these harmful proposed policies! This outcome is a testament to the incredible dedication and united effort of our members and multifamily owners with support from our allies at the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors.
Housing Provider Turnout Made the Difference
The City Council's decision to reject these highly detrimental proposed policies was largely influenced by the significant in-person and virtual presence of AAGLA members and other multifamily owners. Our advocacy efforts, both before and during both meetings, played a pivotal role in ensuring that these potentially harmful changes did not become a reality. Your voices and actions mattered, and they continue to shape the landscape of local legislation.
The Fight Isn't Over
While we are grateful for the recognition by the City Council of the important role that mom-and-pop rental housing providers play in Port Hueneme, we must remain vigilant. Council Member Laura Hernandez requested the report on these harmful policies and continued to forcefully argue for the City Council to “do something” to address low-income renters in precarious financial situations based on a single anecdotal story (despite no data being provided by staff regarding existing renters). As such, AAGLA strongly advocated for the creation of a City-funded emergency rental assistance program similar to the one recently established in Claremont using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. We also support Mayor Roberto “Bobby” Martinez’s amended motion instructing staff to develop videos and other materials education both renters and rental housing providers on existing state law, including the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (Assembly Bill 1482) and Senate Bill 567 (signed by Governor Newsom on Saturday, September 30th) adding further requirements for No-Fault evictions.
Support Us! Join an AAGLA Advocacy Team For More Victories
We urge all AAGLA members in Ventura County and elsewhere to take immediate action by signing up for an AAGLA advocacy team TODAY. Together, we can continue to successfully push back against poorly thought-out policy ideas in Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Email Max Sherman at Max@aagla.org to join our advocacy teams. Your active participation makes a substantial difference in how your City Council votes and whether they will stand in support the rental housing industry!