Property Owner Expresses Concerns Over Rent Increases At Oakland Meeting

During the Housing Advisory Commission meeting on September 3, 2025, a passionate discussion emerged around the challenges of rent increases and property management costs. A property owner from Oakland highlighted the struggle of balancing rising expenses with the limitations imposed by rent control measures.

The owner pointed out that while the rent increase cap is set at 0.8%, this translates to a mere $8 per $1,000 in rent, which fails to cover the annual 2% increase in property taxes, along with rising costs for insurance and maintenance. "That increase doesn't cover the increased cost to the owner," they emphasized, urging the commission to consider the financial realities landlords face when setting rents.

In a real-life example, the owner shared their experience with a nine-unit building in Richmond, where they are struggling to fill a vacant unit despite offering one month of free rent. They explained that lowering the rent to $2,000 would take ten years to recover the loss, leading to empty units and compromised maintenance services. "You end up sacrificing maintenance... because you don't have the money to run the building," they stated, underscoring the dire implications of current rent control policies.

The discussion reflects a growing concern among property owners about the sustainability of rental properties under strict rent control, raising questions about the long-term viability of housing in the area. As the commission continues to explore solutions, the need for a balanced approach that considers both tenant protections and landlord realities remains critical.