In addition to a lower rent cap, protesters are demanding an anti-harassment ordinance to protect tenants from abusive landlords and just-cause eviction protections.
NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Dozens of National City residents marched to City Hall on Tuesday to demand stronger renter protections, including a lower rent cap and measures against tenant harassment. The protesters, primarily renters, are calling for a city-wide tenant protection act that would surpass current statewide regulations.
“Something needs to change- and rent control is one of the changes that we need for National City!” said Victor Valle, one of the demonstrators.
The current statewide tenant protection laws cap annual rent increases at 10%, a figure that many National City residents argue is too high. Protesters are advocating for a significantly lower cap.
“What we are thinking about right now in National City is a 3% rent cap or inflation, whichever is lower. But we’re also talking about lower than that,” said Izadora Lopez-McGawley, a representative from Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment.
City Council Member José Rodriguez agreed that the current cap is excessive.
“10% a year on apartment complexes and units that cost $2000 a month is a $200 increase from one year to the next. It is an excessive amount of money, much more than people get in increases in wages, so it is very important that we have a more reasonable amount,” he said.
In addition to a lower rent cap, protesters are demanding an anti-harassment ordinance to protect tenants from abusive landlords and just-cause eviction protections.
“Renters here are experiencing evictions, no-fault evictions especially, a lot of harassment, delayed maintenance and unhealthy living standards,” Lopez-McGawley explained.
The push for stronger renter protections comes as many National City residents struggle with rising housing costs.
Linda Miles, a local renter, summed up the situation: “Every month is a struggle.”
Protesters highlighted the disconnect between the city’s demographics and its current policies.
“It doesn’t really make sense that in a city with 70 percent renters, that there’s not really any renter protections besides the statewide protections, and it just goes to show the neglect of the city council and of the city historically to actually think about and meet the needs of its residents here,” Lopez-McGawley said.
While the issue was not on Tuesday night’s City Council agenda, protesters hope it will be brought up for discussion and an eventual vote at an upcoming council meeting, ideally within the next few months.