Rental housing providers pack the Concord City Council chambers on Feb. 25. Photo by Joshua Howard

The relentless advocacy efforts of the California Apartment Association and local rental property owners have prompted the Concord City Council to take the first step toward amending its problematic rent control ordinance.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the council tentatively approved amendments to the ordinance, including increasing the annual allowable rent increase from the restrictive 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—currently 2.52%—to a flat 5%, aligning Concord’s policy more closely with rent control laws in cities like San Jose and Hayward. Initially, Council Member Pablo Benavente proposed a more flexible approach, advocating for a cap of CPI plus 5%, not to exceed 7%, to better account for rising operational costs.

Council Member Laura Hoffmeister seconded Benavente’s proposal, indicating initial support for a more accommodating cap. However, Mayor Carlyn Obringer advocated for a flat 5% cap, which ultimately gained the majority’s support. The council also moved to exempt the first three single-family homes, condominiums, or townhomes owned by an individual from the city’s just cause eviction regulations.

CAA continues to maintain that Concord’s rent control ordinance should never have been adopted in the first place. The state’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019 already provides comprehensive rent control and eviction protections, and the city’s own data shows that Concord’s rental rates remain among the most affordable in the Bay Area. However, with the election of Benavente, who unseated rent control advocate Edi Birsan, the city is now reconsidering its approach to housing regulations.

Strong grassroots mobilization drives change 

CAA spearheaded a robust campaign, mobilizing hundreds of rental property owners and community members to voice their concerns. In the lead-up to the Feb. 25 meeting, housing providers and local residents submitted more than 250 letters to the City Council, made phone calls, and testified in person about the ordinance’s harmful impacts. Over 150 housing providers attended both the Feb. 4 and Feb. 25 meetings to advocate for these critical changes. 

As a result of these efforts, the City Council acknowledged concerns raised by rental housing providers and local homeowners and took initial steps toward amendments to its rent control law. 

“CAA and its members appreciate the leadership of Councilmember Benavente and the council majority for recognizing that the current rent control law went too far,” said Joshua Howard, executive vice president of local public affairs at CAA. “We will continue working to align Concord’s rental regulations with state law and ensure housing providers have the ability to maintain their properties, operate sustainably, and provide quality housing to Concord residents.  

“This vote is a clear signal that the City Council understands that their extreme rent control policy created unintended consequences; CAA thanks every housing provider and community member who engaged in this effort to drive change.  Letters, phone calls, showing up to council meetings all made a difference.” 

What’s next? 

The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and cast the official vote on these amendments at its March 25, 2025, meeting. Nothing is finalized until the amended ordinance is formally approved. CAA urges all housing providers to attend the March 25 hearing and continue reminding the City Council that while these changes are a positive first step, additional reforms are needed to fully address the challenges created by Concord’s rent control law. 

CAA also encourages housing providers to send a thank you letter to the City Council at citycouncil@cityofconcord.org, recognizing Council Member Pablo Benavente for his leadership in bringing the rent control issue forward and the council for placing this important discussion on the agenda.

Stay engaged and make your voice heard. For more information on how to participate in the March 25 meeting, contact Rhovy Lyn Antonio at rantonio@caanet.org. 

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