Supervisor Chris Daly is bringing back an amended version of his Renters Economic Relief Package he proposed last year.

While the package was passed by the Board of Supervisors, it was vetoed by the mayor. On a veto override attempt, Daly was unable to muster enough support on the Board to override the mayor’s veto.

The ordinance Daly is proposing this time around would allow renters to file a petition claiming financial hardship at any time with respect to any rent increase.

Payment of the rent increase would be stayed for a period of 60 days from the date of filing or until a hearing is held and a decision issued by an Administrative Law Judge.

In determining whether the renter’s claim of financial hardship is to be granted, the Rent Board and the Administrative Law Judge would base their decision on:

• Whether a tenant in a household is either unemployed or has had wages reduced by 20 percent or more compared to 12 months prior, or whose sole income consists of government benefits such as Social Security, SSI, SDI or similar benefits and has not received a cost of living increase in the past 12 months;
• Whether the rent including the increase comprises or will comprise 33 percent or more of the tenant’s gross income; and
• The renter’s assets are also to be considered in making the determination.

Upon a finding that the tenant has financial hardship, the Administrative Law Judge will order that the rent increase will not be in effect for a specific period of time based on the tenant’s circumstances and schedule a review at the end of that period.

If the rent increase is later allowed, it will take effect as of the date the tenant’s income or assets changed to permit the increase.