Supes Pass Rent Laws Despite Veto ThreatPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jun. 24‚ 2009The Board of Supervisors passed three pro-tenant measures yesterday, sponsored by Chris Daly and designed to help renters facing tough times. The measures: (a) allow tenants to take on unrelated roommates, (b) limit “banked” rent hikes to 8% a year and (c) block rent increases for “financial hardship.” Before the vote, Daly amended the “financial hardship” proposal so that it applies to fewer tenants – and added a sunset provision for when the economy rebounds. The six most progressive members supported the three measures, with Bevan Dufty voting for the one on “banked” rent increases. Mayor Gavin Newsom is expected to veto the package, but advocates are hopeful he will sign the one on banked increases – and perhaps the one on roommates. Eight votes are needed to override a veto. Sophie Maxwell, who is a small landlord, recused herself – but a legal opinion by the Fair Political Practices Commission on July 8th may allow her to weigh in on the veto override. |