Richmond Rent Program
Post date: May 22, 2018 9:4:18 PM
Effective December 30, 2016
Measure L: The Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance
Eviction protections apply to most rental units in the City of Richmond
The vast majority of multi-unit rental properties (including duplexes) constructed before 1995 in the City of Richmond are subject to rent control
Rents for rent-controlled units must reset to the “base rent”, or the rent paid on July 21, 2015 (or the first date that rent was paid after this date)
The Maximum Allowable Rent is equal to the base rent, plus all applicable Annual General Adjustment rent increases
Any excess rent paid in excess of the Maximum Allowable Rent following December 30, 2016, MUST be refunded to the Tenant in the form of a Cashier's check. Proof must be submitted using the online "Proof of Excess Rent Refund" form. See Regulation 17-05for detail.
Visit the Rent Increase page for more information
Rent Control
Notice of Rent Increase (Annual General Adjustment)
The Richmond Rent Board has determined the 2017 “Annual General Adjustment” rent increase for Controlled Rental Units is 3.4%. Effective September 1, 2017, the Maximum Allowable Rent for tenancies in effect prior to September 1, 2016, may be increased by 3.4%.
To apply the 2017 Annual General Adjustment rent increase of 3.4%, Landlords must not only comply with State law requirements, but also file a notice of rent increase with the Rent Board within two (2) business days after service on the Tenant, in accordance with the Rent Increase Procedure detailed below. Rent increases may not take effect prior to September 1, 2017.
2017 AGA Rent Increase Template: Tenant Notification of Rent Increase (2017)
Link to Proof of Service Form: Printable Proof of Service Form
Just Cause for Eviction
Beginning December 30, 2016, Landlords of Rental Units in the City of Richmond may only terminate tenancy if there is a “just cause” to evict. These reasons include:
Failure to Pay Rent
Breach of the Lease*
Nuisance*
Failure to Give Access*
Substantial Repairs (temporary termination of tenancy)**
Owner Move-In**
Withdrawal from the Rental Market**
Temporary Tenancy (note: applies only to single-family homes and condominiums for a maximum period of up to twelve (12) months. The Landlord and Tenant must agree to the temporary tenancy at the start of the lease, and this agreement may not be renewed.) NOTE: Landlords must complete and file a Declaration of Temporary Tenancy with the Rent Program prior to the commencement of the Tenancy.
*Written Warning Notice Required
**Relocation Payment Required
FILE A COPY OF A TERMINATION OF TENANCY NOTICE AND PROOF OF SERVICE: Termination of Tenancy Form