Recently, District 9 City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera introduced legislation to protect San Diego renters and small businesses from bearing the burden of unfair costs and fees for City-provided utility services.
The unanimous vote of the Environment Committee directs the Council District 9 office to work with the City Attorney’s Office, the Independent Budget Analyst, and City staff to draft an ordinance that prohibits property owners from charging tenants more for City-provided utility services than what the City charges the property.
“People and companies should not profit off public services, especially utilities. Utilities are called that for a reason – they are essential services to maintain our quality of life,” said Elo-Rivera. “Private interests should not be allowed to use them as a source of profit off the backs of working San Diegans.”
The proposed ordinance would prevent exploitation and ensure fair and transparent billing for residential tenants and small businesses by doing the following:
·Prohibiting property owners from overcharging their tenants for City-provided utility services, inclusive of water, wastewater, and waste management.
·Prohibiting junk fees and “convenience” fees tied to the provision of and billing for City-provided utility services.
·Establishing a customer’s and tenant’s right to request and view an itemized breakdown of charges levied on them by a property owner.
The introduction of this legislation is part of Elo-Rivera’s ongoing commitment to reduce the cost of living and create opportunities for all San Diegans.
“I am grateful for Councilmember Elo Rivera’s leadership on this issue. We need to do all we can to protect renters from price gouging. There are many landlords gaming the system on the back of renters,” said Patty Medina, ACCE Member residing in District 9. “Being a landlord is a responsibility and they are abusing their power. And that’s why it’s essential that there are laws against activities like these. That’s why we need local protections.”
“At Business For Good, we believe transparency and fairness are fundamental to a thriving economy. Unfortunately, when opportunities to exploit exist, some landlords will take them—harming both residential and commercial tenants,” said Mikey Knab, Chair of the Advocacy Committee with Business For Good San Diego.
Elo-Rivera represents San Diego’s Ninth Council District including communities of City Heights, College Area, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mission Valley East, Mountain View, Mt. Hope, Normal Heights, Rolando Village, Rolando Park, Stockton and Talmadge. He is the Chair of the Environment Committee and the Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living.
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