Rent Program’s Annual Notification

Letters for FY24-25

As administrators of the City of Alameda Rent Program, we provide annual updates regarding rent increase regulations under the City’s Rent Ordinance. In Mid-November, letters were mailed to landlords and/or property managers of fully-regulated properties who had completed annual registration this past summer. Tenants residing in those rental units also receive a letter.  Below are some common questions and key guidelines:

What is the Annual Registration Requirement?

The annual registration requirement, launched this summer and continuing each year, aims to ensure clarity around allowable rent increases. The Rent Program now collects updated rent data annually to provide clearer guidance on allowable increases for each rental unit. Landlords were asked to provide the current rent and date of the last rent increase for any occupied rental units, along with updates on any changes since their initial registration.

What is the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) for 2024-2025?

For the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, the AGA allows a maximum rent increase of 2.7% for multi-unit properties built before February 1995. This increase is based on 70% of the change in the Consumer Price Index. Landlords must report the AGA increase in their annual registration statement each summer but are not required to file AGA increases with the Rent Program immediately. Please note, landlords may only increase rent once within any 12-month period.

How do Banked Rent Increases work?

Landlords may apply a “banked” rent increase if they have chosen not to raise the rent by the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) in previous years or have raised it by less than the AGA. Rent increases that were prohibited during the COVID-19 moratorium are also considered “banked” and can be added to a subsequent year’s AGA, provided specific conditions are met.

Key Limitations on Banked Rent Increases:

1. Combined Limit: The total of the current AGA and any banked increase cannot exceed 5.7% for the 2024-2025 period.
2. Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR): The new rent amount cannot exceed the Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) as determined by the Rent Program, nor can the increase exceed the current year’s AGA + 3.0%.
3. No Consecutive Banked Increases: Banked increases cannot be applied in consecutive years. (24 months between Banked rent increases)
4. Change of Tenancy or Ownership: Banked amounts expire with a new tenancy or transfer of property ownership and cannot be applied to a new tenant or by a new owner.
5. Limit per Tenancy: Banked rent increases can only be applied up to three times during a single tenancy.

Noticing Requirements for a Banked Rent Increase:

• Tenant Notice: Attach addendum Form RP-203 to the rent increase notice served on the tenant. Landlords may, but are not required to, use our notice template form RP-210.
• Filing with the Rent Program: Within three calendar days of serving the tenant notice, file the following with the Rent Program:

1. A copy of the rent increase notice that includes the banked amount.
2. A completed proof of service form (such as Form RP-204) listing the documents provided to the tenant.

What if a Tenant Suspects a Registration Error?

Your landlord’s registration with the Rent Program determines the maximum permissible rent increase under an AGA or Banked Rent Increase. If you believe your rent calculation is incorrect, you can request a review by submitting Form RP-100 and Attachment RP-100(B).

Why Didn’t I Receive a Notification Letter?

If you are a landlord or tenant in a fully regulated rental unit and did not receive an annual notification letter, please contact the Rent Program. Missing letters may be due to registration issues or incomplete information, and our staff can help confirm the registration status of your rental unit or property.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For more details on permissible increases, compliance requirements, and form submissions, visit alamedarentprogram.org/FAQs/Rent-Increases-101. Forms are also available at City Hall West, 950 W. Mall Square.

If you need translation services or reasonable accommodations, please contact Rent Program staff at rentprogram@alamedaca.gov or 510-747-7520.

Rent Program Community Workshop

December 10th, 2024

The City of Alameda Rent Program invites landlords, property managers and tenants to an open forum to discuss penalties for rent increase violations, and a proposed new policy. This is an opportunity for you to share your input, ask questions, and better understand the considerations behind these regulations.

What to Expect:

• Overview of current penalties for rent increase violations.
• Presentation of potential new policy/regulation.
• Open Q&A session with Rent Program staff.
• Opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions.

Your participation helps ensure the development of fair and effective policies that support our community. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or interested stakeholder, we encourage you to attend and share your perspective.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, December 10th
• Time: 6:00pm
• Location: City Hall West, 950 W Mall Sq Room 201, Alameda, CA 94501
• Hosted By: City of Alameda Rent Program

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RSVP: Click Here to register