Rent Board Adopts 2020 Annual General Adjustment in the Amount of 2.9% (Effective 09/01/2020)
At their meeting on June 17, 2020, the Rent Board adopted Regulation 608, establishing the 2020 Annual General Adjustment (AGA) rent increase for Controlled Rental Units in the amount of 2.9%. Rent increases for the 2020 Annual General Adjustment may not take effect prior to September 1, 2020.
The 2020 AGA may only be applied to tenancies in effect prior to September 1, 2019 and according to the City Attorney's Office, pursuant to Contra Costa County Urgency Ordinance No. 2020-26, Landlords of rent-controlled units may not increase the rent through January 31, 2021, with certain exceptions. During this time, we are directing Landlords and Tenants to refer to the new state law AB 3088, specifically the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020, which currently protects qualifying tenants from eviction for non-payment of rent through January 31, 2021.
In addition, while keeping in mind the above information, to apply the 2020 Annual General Adjustment rent increase of up to 2.9%, Landlords must comply with State law requirements and file a notice of rent increase with the Rent Board within ten (10) business days after service on the Tenant, in accordance with Regulation 603.
Visit www.richmondrent.org/increase to access resources such as a notice of rent increase template, Maximum Allowable Rent Calculator, and more.
What’s the Annual General Adjustment?
The Annual General Adjustment (AGA) is an annual rent increase for Controlled Rental Units permitted by the Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The Annual General Adjustment is calculated based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index of the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
Are Landlords Allowed to “Bank” Annual General Adjustment Rent Increases?
Yes, Landlords may apply deferred Annual General Adjustment rent increases; however, Rent Board Regulation 602 limits the amount of deferred increases that may be applied in any 12-month period.