RentStabilizationNews
For Landlords of Fully Covered CSFRA Units
Why am I Receiving this Letter?
This newsletter is in your mailbox because you own or manage a rental property covered by the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA).
What is a Covered Unit?
The CSFRA provides rent stabilization for most apartment buildings in Mountain View with 3 or more units built before February 1, 1995 and provides eviction protections for most 3 or more unit buildings built before December 23, 2016
Check mountainview.gov/rentstabilization or call 650-903-6136 to get updated information on your coverage.
CSFRA and Relocation Assistance Basics
Rent Stabilization
❑ All rent increases during a tenancy are limited by law
❑ Rent increases are limited to a certain percent every year
❑ Only one increase can be given every 12 months
❑ Increases can only be given if the landlord is in compliance with the law
❑ Both tenants and landlords can request individual rent increase or decrease adjustments from the City through a petition process
Eviction Protections
❑ Tenants cannot be asked to move out without a lawful reason
❑ Landlords must notify tenants of the reason in a written letter
❑ A tenant can only be evicted for 9 lawful reasons (“just causes”)
• Failure to Pay Rent
• Breach of Lease
• Nuisance
• Criminal Activity
• Failure to Give Access
• Necessary Repairs
• Owner Move-in
• Demolition
• Withdrawal from Market
Relocation Assistance
❑ Landlords may have to offer tenant relocation assistance if they evict tenants for the following reasons
• Necessary Repairs
• Owner Move-in
• Demolition
• Withdrawal from Market
❑ If tenants qualify, they receive money and other support when terminated
State Housing Law Roundup
There are new State laws for landlords and tenants. Please see the summary below and consult an attorney for legal advice
Security Deposits (AB 2801)
Beginning April 1, 2025, a landlord must take photographs of the rental unit within a reasonable time after a tenant moves out, but before starting any repairs or cleanings that could be taken out of the tenant's security deposit. Follow-up photos must also be taken within a reasonable time after completing repairs or cleanings. If a deduction is made from the security deposit for the repairs or cleanings, the landlord must send a copy of the photos, and a written explanation of the cost of the repairs or cleanings to the tenant at the same time that they provide the itemized statement for the security deposit (i.e., typically within 21 days after the tenant vacates the unit).
Unlawful Detainer Response Period (AB 2347)
Starting January 1, 2025, AB 2347 extends the time for tenants to file an answer to an unlawful detainer from five (5) to ten (10) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays, after the complaint is served on the tenant.
Rent Payment Credit Reporting (AB 2747)
AB 2747 requires most landlords to offer tenants the option of having positive rental payment information reported to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency. Positive rental payment information refers to a tenant's complete, timely payments of rent, and does not include late or incomplete payments.
If a tenant opts-in, then the landlord may charge the tenant the actual cost of the service or ten dollars ($10) per month, whichever is lesser. A tenant cannot be evicted for failure to pay the charge for this service, but a landlord may stop providing the service if the charge remains unpaid for more than 30 days. This charge is not considered “Rent” for the purposes of the CSFRA, so a landlord may begin charging a tenant anytime the tenant opts into this service without violating the CSFRA or filing a joint petition. Nonetheless, landlords are encouraged to list the amount of this charge in the Rental Housing Agreement at the commencement of the tenancy so that tenants are aware of the cost should they decide to opt into this service.
For leases entered on or after April 1, 2025, the landlord must make the offer at the time that the lease agreement is entered and at least once a year after that. For leases in existence as of January 1, 2025, the landlord must make the offer no later than April 1, 2025, and at least once a year after that This law does not apply to landlords with 15 or less units, unless there is corporate ownership and the landlord owns more than one residential building.
One-Time Utility Adjustment Petitions: Submission Due Dates EXTENDED!
On February 27, 2025, the Rental Housing Committee extended the submission due dates for the petition. Unless submetered, utilities are part of rent for units fully covered by the CSFRA and subject to the CSFRA’s rent increase limitations. The petition process phases out the use of Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) and similar utility billing systems and incorporates the costs of these utilities into rent for tenancies starting before March 1, 2024. Visit mountainview.gov/rubs for more information.
Units Due Dates for Submission
21+ Units April 30, 2025
6-20 Units July 31, 2025
1-5 Units October 31, 2025
Reminder: Tenants that moved in on or after March 1, 2024 should already have utilities included in rent and/or submetered.
Is your tenant unable to pay rent?
Learn about available resources in Mountain View Resources and support are available for tenants unable to pay rent! The Community Services Agency (CSA) provides qualifying tenants with rental assistance and other assistance to stabilize their situation.
Visit CSAcares.org to learn about the valuable resources available for the community in Mountain View.
Tenants can contact CSA directly or ask for a referral to CSA from the Rent Stabilization Division. You, as the landlord, may hear from a CSA case manager if tenants apply for assistance. They will work with you both to help tenants stay housed.
Housing Help Center for Landlords
Come to the Housing Help Center to receive individualized support
• Rent Stabilization and Eviction Protections: Learn about the tenant protections laws in Mountain View and how they affect property owners and tenants.
• Property Registration and Annual Fees: Get individual assistance to pay fees and complete the required annual property registration.
• Compliance: Request information about the Rental Housing Fee or other compliance requirements.
• Petitions: Receive help with the One-Time Utility Adjustmnet Petition and learn about responding to tenant petitions.
Every Thursday! 1-3 p.m.
298 Escuela Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040 | Walk-ins welcome
Attend virtually! mountainview.gov/housinghelpclinics
Contact the Program Today!
Reminder!
Property registration and fee payments were due by January 31, 2025 Register and pay fees online at mvrent.mountainview.gov
The CSFRA and accompanying regulations require landlords to 1) annually register their property and 2) pay the Rental Housing Fee. Please contact our office if you need a copy of your invoice or need assistance with property registration.
If a property is not registered and / or the housing fee is not paid by January 31, the property is out of compliance with the law.
Being out of compliance may result in:
• Late fees
o 4% per month for not paying annual rental housing fees / $25 per unit per month for not completing the annual registration
• Mailing of non-compliance letters to landlords with copy to affected tenants
• Posting of non-compliant properties to mvrent.mountainview.gov
• Inability to raise Rent:
o Rent increases while out of compliance with the CSFRA are unlawful. Tenants may file petitions for decrease in rent and/or refund of overpaid rent.
Mediation for Landlords and Tenants
Don’t know how to solve an issue you have with your tenant? Try Mediation!
The Mountain View Mediation Program provides free dispute resolution for landlords and tenants in Mountain View. As possible solutions arise, trained mediators help guide participants toward a resolution of their own making.
It’s fast, confidential, free and effective!
Successfully resolved cases include: mediate4mv@housing.org 650-960-0495
• Landlord/tenant issues
• Security deposit issues
• Noise complaints
• Roommate conflicts
• Neighbor issues
Upcoming Workshops
All workshops below are virtual and can be viewed at mountainview.gov/rspwebinars unless otherwise noted
Accessibility and Accommodations (Fair Housing)
• April 17, 2025 |2 p.m.
Rent Stabilization 101 (Senior Focused)
• April 24, 2025 |1 p.m.
In person: Senior Center Social Hall
Submitting a Utility Adjustment Petition
• May 8, 2025 | 2 p.m.
• June 12, 2025 | 2 p.m.
How to Stay in Compliance with the CSFRA and MHRSO
• May 15, 2025 |2 p.m.
Rent Stabilization 101
• June 26, 2025 |2 p.m.
City of Mountain View Rent Stabilization Division Updates
• State Housing Laws –Learn about California State Housing Laws including new security deposit rules and eviction responses.
• One-Time Utility Adjustment Petition Due Date
Extended -
The petition process phases out the use of Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) and similar utility billing systems and incorporates the costs of these utilities into rent for tenancies starting before March 1, 2024. On February 27, 2025, the Rental Housing Committee extended the due dates for the submission of the petition.
See inside for details!
