The San Mateo City Council on Monday unanimously agreed to create a local emergency rental assistance program rather than pursue new rent regulations and reporting requirements.

The decision followed public testimony from more than 60 individuals and a presentation from city staff, who cited nonpayment of rent as the leading cause of evictions. Staff also noted that the Tenant Protection Act, also known as AB 1482, has helped reduce the number of no-fault terminations in San Mateo.

During the study session, the California Apartment Association delivered an extended presentation emphasizing the multiple layers of existing state and local laws that already regulate the rental housing industry. CAA urged the city to focus on educating tenants and enforcing those existing laws, rather than adding new and punitive regulations.

“If nonpayment of rent and lack of affordable housing inventory are the top causes of displacement in the city, then your focus should be exploring policies that address them,” said Rhovy Lyn Antonio, senior vice president of local public affairs for the California Apartment Association.

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