Rent & Eviction Control Guide / Mountain View
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology hub of Mountain View has engaged in a very spirited debate on rent control. The city has become tasked with not only accommodating high-salaried engineers and programmers, but cafeteria workers, shuttle drivers, and security guards.
The Mountain View City Council grappled with the heated topic of rent and eviction controls, putting the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (Measure V) on the ballot in November 2016. Voters passed the measure, which states a landlord could not raise the rent in any year more than the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a big caveat: the annual increase can never be less than 2% or more than 5%.
Amid rampant inflation, it stands to reason that 2022 allowed rent increases for rent-stabilized properties is 5% for tenancies commencing September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023, provided that:
› At least 12 months have elapsed since the last increase
› Annual Rental Housing Fees have been paid
› The property is registered with the city
› Tenant is served a written rent increase notice as required by state law
› The landlord is otherwise in compliance with applicable regulations
Just causes
The 9 reasons to evict Mountain View renters for just cause are spelled out here. Keep in mind, Landlords are required to file copies of termination notices to the Rental Housing Committee.
Petitions that can be initiated by both landlords and tenants
Tenants can file a petition for a downward adjustment of rent by submitting the landlord failed to maintain the rental unit in a habitable condition, there has been a reduction in service or maintenance, or that rent increases exceed the amount allowed by law.
Conversely, however, the landlord can file a petition to increase rent above and beyond the annual rent adjustment percentage if it can be demonstrated that the rent hike is necessary to provide a fair return. For example, it can be argued that the landlord has incurred increased property taxes or operating expenses, capital improvements are necessary, there is an increase in the number of tenants occupying the premises, or there is a substantial deterioration of the rental unit that exceeds normal wear and tear.
The timeline for a landlord's petition for an upward adjustment of rent »
The tenant petition process explained »
Forms, notices, and filing requirements »
Find out what regulations your property is subject to with this interactive map »
A new development: Mountain View approves policy for replacing rent-controlled apartments »
Mountain View Mediation Program to air out disputes »