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1. What is the purpose of the Richmond Rent Ordinance and the Rent Program?

The Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance ("Rent Ordinance") was established by a majority of Richmond voters in November 2016. The law established the Rent Program as the agency to administer and enforce the Rent Ordinance. 

The Rent Program opened to the public in January 2017. The mission of the Rent Ordinance and the Rent Program is to promote neighborhood and community stability, healthy housing, and affordability for Richmond tenants by regulating Landlord and Tenant matters relating to rents and evictions, while maintaining a Landlord’s right to a fair return. 

Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction and Homeowner Protection Ordinance

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2. What responsibilities does a landlord have to be in compliance with the Richmond Rent Program?

All landlords in the City of Richmond must complete a Property Enrollment Form for each property with at least one Rental Unit and pay the associated Rental Housing Fee. In addition, landlords of rent-controlled ("Fully Covered") Rental Units must also complete a Tenancy Registration Form for each tenancy in a Fully Covered Unit. 

Please visit the Enrollment and Registration page to access more information and forms: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3364/Richmond-Rent-Program 

Please visit  the Fees page for more information about the Residential Rental Housing Fee and other City fees applicable to Rental Housing in the City of Richmond: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3679/Fees 

3. What services does the Rent Program provide?

The Rent Program provides an array of services to the community relating to the Rent Ordinance. Some of these services include: counseling and educational services for the public on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, mediation services, referrals to community legal service providers, targeted outreach to Tenants and Landlords involved in Just Cause Eviction, administration of the Rent Adjustment Petition Process, community education workshops, and facilitating Richmond Rent Board meetings.

4. Are there any costs associated with Rent Program services?

Generally, no. The Rent Program does not directly charge for daily services provided to the community. However, the Rent Program is funded by the Residential Rental Housing Fee charged to owners of rental units.

5. Can the Rent Program provide me with legal advice or and/or advocacy?

It is a common misconception that the Rent Program can provide legal advice or advocates to individuals. Since the Rent Program is a government agency, we are not able to advocate for any member of the public, provide any form of legal assistance to either Landlord or Tenant, or refer individuals to specific private attorneys or law firms. However, the Rent Program does advocate for policies that strengthen the mission of the Rent Ordinance. In addition, we normally contract with non-profit legal agencies in the Bay Area to assist Richmond community members and provide direct legal referrals for matters relating to the Rent Ordinance.