Pomona Rent Control Ordinance
Rent Control does not solve the High Rent Problem.
As Realtor, some people ask me to help them find an apartment or house for rent. Sadly, no matter how much I try to help them, there aren't enough properties for every person who needs them. There are from 10 to 20 applicants, per property that goes active on the market. It is almost impossible for a person to get accepted unless the property is listed at a higher value than the current market price.
The rent control ordinance passed in 2022 by the City Council of Pomona does not fix the terrible problem of the shortage of housing.
The ordinance is a repetition of the State rent control which states the following:
The Tenant Protection Act caps rent increases for most tenants in California. Landlords cannot raise rent more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living – whichever is lower – over a 12-month period. If the tenants of a unit move out and new tenants move in, the landlord may establish the initial rent to charge. (Civ. Code § 1947.12.)
The Pomona Ordinance changes the percentage that landlords can increase in rent yearly, that is from 10% to 4%. But what happen with all the people who need to rent a new place today? They still have to pay the current rent price which is above their economic ratio capacity. It is all about supply and demand! There aren't enough properties to satisfy the demand!
Imposing a rent control ordinance to the private sector is making them responsible for the government's obligation of providing affordable housing to the low-income families. To put it into context lets explain, who is responsible for such obligation.
2007 California Health and Safety Code Article 4. Powers And Duties of Housing Authorities
34311. An authority may:
(a) Sue and be sued.
(b) Have a seal and alter it.
(c) Have perpetual succession.
(d) Make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or
convenient to the exercise of its powers.
(e) Make, amend, and repeal by-laws and regulations, not
inconsistent with this chapter, to carry into effect the powers and
purposes of the authority.
34312. Within its area of operation, an authority may undertake any.
of the following:
(a) Prepare, carry out, acquire, lease, and operate housing
projects for persons of low income, as authorized by this chapter,
and housing developments for persons of low income, as authorized by
Part 3 (commencing with Section 50900) of Division 31.
(b) Provide for the construction, reconstruction, improvement,
alteration, or repair of all or part of any housing project.
(c) Provide leased housing to persons of low income.
(d) (1) Provide financing for the acquisition, construction,
rehabilitation, refinancing, or development of dwelling
accommodations for persons of low income, and for other persons when
acting pursuant to the authorization contained in Part 13
In conclusion, while rent control may benefit (temporarily) a very minimum percentage of renters, it does not protect the average renter from not having access to affordable housing. it is the obligation of the government to help the low-income citizens providing affordable housing options, not the private sector.
Attached is the passed City Ordinance Document.