In 2023, the Burbank Tenants Union worked with the nonprofit law firm Public Counsel to develop a comprehensive, legally viable Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Ordinance that can be passed by a majority of Burbank City Council. This RSO/JCO contains comprehensive protections for Burbank Tenants, including:
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Rent cap of 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower.
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Universal Just Cause: Tenants in all rental housing protected by requirement of legitimate at-fault or no-fault reasoning.
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Self Funded Rental Registry: All rental units must be registered with the city, and rent increases processed through the city to ensure compliance with law.
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Close the Reno-viction Loophole through right to return and temporary relocation assistance.
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Relocation Assistance for all no-fault evictions equal to 3 months fair market rent, plus extra month for qualified tenants (Senior, disabled, low-income, dependent child(ren) under 18).
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Owner and Family Move-in evictions more tightly regulated.
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Ellis Act, Demolition, Removal from Market evictions tightly regulated.
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Anti-harassment and anti-retaliation protections.
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City Enforcement mechanism and dedicated staff to enforce local and state housing law.
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Relocation Assistance for Economic Displacement: Excessive rent increase allows tenants to self-evict with substantial relocation assistance.
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Failure to Pay Rent redefined as owing more than 1 month’s fair market rent.
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Notice of Tenant Rights required when providing a lease, renewing a lease, and notice of rent increase.
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Cash for Keys buyouts regulated with strict guidelines including notice of rights and time to make informed decision.
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Student Displacement: Families with school-aged students cannot receive no-fault evictions during the school year.
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Language Justice: Require notices to be filed in primary language of tenant.
Read the full ordinance below. We call on the Burbank City Council to pass BTU's ordinance in its entirety!