Agenda Packet_2023-08-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing Division Quarterly Report August 1, 2023 Page 5 Rent Stabilization Program Effective November 18, 2022, the City Council adopted an amended Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance (Ordinance) that included a number of changes. The amended Ordinance expands the administration and enforcement of renter protections for Santa Ana residents by establishing a rental housing board and a rental registry program. The amended Ordinance also includes additional petitions for tenants and landlords, voluntary mediation services, and other enhancements. The City has prepared user-friendly information on the Ordinance for both tenants and landlords on the City's webpage, including the full Ordinance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to to receive the latest updates. Program Updates: The City of Santa Ana continues to work with RSG, Inc. on the long-term implementation of the Ordinance. This project has met many critical milestones over the course of Quarter 4 (Q4). Staff, in partnership with Revenue and Cost Specialists (RCS), conducted a comprehensive fee study to determine appropriate program fees to recover all program costs associated with services provided under the Ordinance. The Rental Registry Fee was approved in the FY 2023-24 Miscellaneous Fee Schedule. Additionally, the City Council approved the City's new Rent Stabilization Division in the City's FY 2023-24 Annual Budget to administer the Ordinance. Staff, in partnership with 3Di, Inc., worked to implement a rental registry portal that supports the Ordinance. In Q4, staff worked with the consultant on a weekly basis to configure the portal where property owners will register rental units, update rental unit information, update tenancy information, submit notices, and pay the City's rental registry fee. Staff also worked with the Finance and Management Services Agency to ensure the City will be able to collect, allocate, process, and utilize rental registry fees for the administration of the Ordinance. Staff conducted targeted outreach in partnership with Santa Ana Unified School District, neighborhood associations, non -profits who work with low-income residents, and at local laundromats in an effort to strengthen the way we engage with our community. In addition to the progress made towards the long-term implementation of the Rent Stabilization Program, staff has continued to serve the community in the following ways throughout Q4: • Reviewed and made continuous improvements to the layout, content, and forms on the Renter Protections webpage for easier access and understanding. • Published new information on the City's webpage, including the Notice of Allowable Rent Increase, Fair Return Petition, Capital Improvement Petition, and Tenant Petition to ensure compliance with the City's Ordinance. City Council 9-5 8/1/2023