City of Alameda
Rent Review Advisory Committee

What is the Rent Review Advisory Committee?
The Alameda City Council formed the Rent Review Advisory Committee (Committee) in 1979, in response to citizens' complaints about substantial rent increases. The Committee is made up of 7 volunteers: 3 property owners, 3 tenants, and 1 neutral homeowner. Members are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. The Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, as needed.

A tenant who receives notice of a large rent increase can request review and mediation by the Rent Review Advisory Committee. This process begins by filling out a Rental Increase Complaint (RIC) form and returning it to: RRAC, Alameda Point Main Office, 950 W. Mall Square, Room 215, Alameda, Ca 94501 (fax: 510.749.5808).

 

An online version of the RIC form can be found on the city's website at www.alamedahousing.com. You can fill it out on your computer, print it, sign it, and mail to RRAC, Alameda Point Main Office, 950 W. Mall Square, Second Floor, Alameda, CA 94501.

To confirm a meeting, contact Susie Brown at (510) 749-5805.

How does the mediation process work?
When a tenant files a RIC, letters are sent to both the tenant and landlord (with a copy of the RIC) notifying them of the date and location of the next meeting. Participation in the meeting is voluntary but if the tenant fails to appear the case is closed without discussion. At the meeting, Committee members listen to the tenant's and landlord's views about the rent increase and discuss whether the amount is fair under all the circumstances. The Committee tailors it recommendation to fit each specific case.

Is the Rent Review Advisory Committee effective?
The Committee has had great success in establishing communication between landlord and tenant and in effecting compromises with regard to rent and maintenance. Hearing from both landlord and tenant Committee members encourages participants to be realistic in their expectations of fair rental conditions. The public nature of the Committee's review process can also be persuasive. The Committee has served as an effective alternative to rent control in the City of Alameda.