The San Jose City Council next week is expected to consider an ordinance that would freeze rents on all rent-controlled units for the rest of the year.

At this week’s meeting, the council directed the city attorney to return Tuesday, April 21, with an ordinance that:

• Freezes rents on all rent-controlled units until Dec. 31, 2020. 
• Clarifies that it is not a service reduction if a landlord reduces amenities to comply with a public health order.
• Waives building/repair maintenance permit fees for rental properties under 20 units.
• Allows a landlord to lower rents and maintain the higher base rent for purposes of calculating future increases.
• Extends the eviction moratorium through May 31, although it could be extended, and give tenants until Dec 31 repay deferred rent.

Unfortunately, the council did not agree to CAA’s request to allow the banking of frozen rent increases for use after the rent increase moratorium.

At CAA’s urging, however, the council earlier this month rejected a proposal to suspend rent collections in the city.