Overview
- City Council’s Housing Committee unanimously reapproved two Safe Healthy Homes bills after a settlement over open-meeting claims required a new hearing, and the measures now head to the full Council with a vote expected April 16.
- The package, authored by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, would allow rent abatements when landlords lack a rental license or ignore code fixes, protect tenants from retaliation, require “good cause” to refuse lease renewals for all renters, raise penalties, and let the city set up proactive rental inspections.
- Landlord groups say the proposals would strain small owners and have asked for changes that include doubling a 30‑day fire-code repair window to 60 days and clarifying penalties tied to certificates of rental suitability.
- Escalating the fight, two landlords filed a motion Tuesday to expand their lawsuit by adding claims that the bills violate property rights and renewing allegations of Sunshine Act breaches, seeking to invalidate the legislation.
- Supporters point to widespread problems in rental homes, including mold, pests, leaks, heat failures, and lead exposure, and say clearer remedies and inspections would help tenants speak up without risking their housing.