Ventura homeowners and landlords are keeping a close eye on policy changes coming out of City Hall, and for good reason. On May 27, Ventura City Council resumed discussion that went unfinished from an April 8th meeting. The debate was centered on a slew of proposed tenant protection measures. While some programs are moving forward, others that would have imposed new requirements on property owners were ultimately rejected.
The Council reviewed eight potential measures aimed at addressing rental stability and fairness in the housing market. After hours of discussion, they voted to advance four initiatives, while declining to move forward with the more controversial proposals such as rent control and a citywide rental registry.
What’s Moving Forward
First and foremost, Council expressed their support for an renewed and expanded contract with Housing Rights Center to provide more legal and fair housing services to both tenants and landlords. This effort is intended to support clearer communication, dispute resolution, and ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
In addition, Council directed staff to explore and return with recommendations for:
- A potential anti-harassment ordinance protecting tenants from coercive or retaliatory actions;
- Policies aimed at reducing displacement and unjust evictions, especially among long-term tenants;
- And the development of property owner resources, such as online portals and informational tools to help landlords stay compliant and connected with city programs.
These initiatives are expected to come back for review after the summer break, at which point Council will vote whether or not to implement them.
What’s Not Moving Forward (for now)
The Council declined to pursue rent stabilization, often referred to as rent control. This proposal would have placed even stricter limits on how much landlords can raise rent annually. Limits already exist, as a result of AB 1482, also known as the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019. Councilmembers expressed concern that capping rents further would reduce housing investment and worsen Ventura’s housing supply problem.
The Council also rejected a proposed rental registry, which would have created a publicly accessible database of rental properties, their ownership, and pricing. Rental registries tend to be burdensome and invasive, with costs for maintaining them ultimately passed on to renters.
Also dismissed were two other ideas:
- An ordinance to regulate security deposits, such as limiting the amount or requiring specific refund timelines. Again, this is covered by existing state law AB 1482.
- A rule requiring landlords to offer first right of refusal to tenants when selling a rental property, an effort that would have given tenants the opportunity to purchase before a property hits the broader market.
Divided Opinions
The Council was not united in its vision for tenant protections. Two Councilmembers in particular voiced support of stricter tenant protections, criticizing the decisions to reject the registry and stabilization measures, while expressing concern over Ventura’s growing housing pressures.
On the other hand, several Councilmembers were in agreement that adding more regulations could be counterproductive. They also reflected on the belief that free market incentives, not restrictions, are the best way to increase housing supply.
According to city data, Ventura has roughly 41,246 housing units, with approximately 18,938 available for rent, serving an estimated 48,000 residents. That means nearly 44% of Ventura’s population participates in the rental market, a sizable portion that plays a central role in the city’s housing policy.
What This Means for Property Owners
For now, Ventura’s rental landscape remains relatively stable for landlords. The Council’s decisions means no additional rent caps, no mandatory registry, and no new rules on security deposits or forced sale opportunities.
Landlords and property owners would be wise to stay informed as staff returns later this year with more details and ordinances for Council to vote yes or no on. Policies around harassment, evictions, and tenant communication could change, and early awareness will help owners stay ahead of any compliance needs.
