In 2023, the Burbank Tenants Union worked with the nonprofit law firm Public Counsel to develop a comprehensive, legally viable Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Ordinance that can be passed by a majority of Burbank City Council. This RSO/JCO contains comprehensive protections for Burbank Tenants, including:
- Rent cap of 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower.
- Universal Just Cause: Tenants in all rental housing protected by requirement of legitimate at-fault or no-fault reasoning.
- Self Funded Rental Registry: All rental units must be registered with the city, and rent increases processed through the city to ensure compliance with law.
- Close the Reno-viction Loophole through right to return and temporary relocation assistance.
- Relocation Assistance for all no-fault evictions equal to 3 months fair market rent, plus extra month for qualified tenants (Senior, disabled, low-income, dependent child(ren) under 18).
- Owner and Family Move-in evictions more tightly regulated.
- Ellis Act, Demolition, Removal from Market evictions tightly regulated.
- Anti-harassment and anti-retaliation protections.
- City Enforcement mechanism and dedicated staff to enforce local and state housing law.
- Relocation Assistance for Economic Displacement: Excessive rent increase allows tenants to self-evict with substantial relocation assistance.
- Failure to Pay Rent redefined as owing more than 1 month’s fair market rent.
- Notice of Tenant Rights required when providing a lease, renewing a lease, and notice of rent increase.
- Cash for Keys buyouts regulated with strict guidelines including notice of rights and time to make informed decision.
- Student Displacement: Families with school-aged students cannot receive no-fault evictions during the school year.
- Language Justice: Require notices to be filed in primary language of tenant.
Read the full ordinance below. We call on the Burbank City Council to pass BTU’s ordinance in its entirety!