City of Salinas proposed its draft for a rent stabilization
ordinance during the community meeting.
But the ordinance, which recommends the city adopt tenant eviction
protection policies and a rent stabilization cap of 2 1/2%
to 2.75%, sparked debate from both renters and landlords in
the audience.
Some renters argued for lower annual rent increases.
We really would like to see the 2%,
you know, because it's, it makes a big difference.
Do you know if for our families to have to
decide between?
You know, a plate of eggs or you know,
trying to make sure that the the next month's rent
gets paid.
While landlords raise concerns that owners would be forced out
if the proposed rent caps do not cover the rising
costs of insurance,
maintenance and management, how can a landlord stay profitable?
Esther Malkin, the founder of Monterey County Renters United,
says renters, who make up a large portion of the
city's population,
need protection from unaffordable increases.
It's time that city government starts listening to the renter
voice who's been mainly because they're worried about repercussions.
Others in attendance, like Kylie Sloan,
who works in property management,
believes this ordinance will not benefit the tenant or landlord.
Instead, she would like to see the city focus their
attention on building.
So it does take time to build new units,
but the reality is we should have been focusing on
this a long time ago.
The city says this ordinance is designed to protect renters
while providing landlords with a.
It is also important to note that these percentages for
the recommended rent caps will not be official until City
Council makes that final decision.
The city is also asking the community to reach out
with all questions and concerns before August 13th reporting in
Salinas.
I'm Zoe Hunt, KSBW Action News 8.
All right, Zoe, thank you.