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From:Kathy Zmay
<br />To:GRP-City Council
<br />Subject:June 8th Meeting
<br />Date:Friday, June 5, 2026 8:37:29 PM
<br />You don't often get email from kuz5@sbcglobal.net. Learn why this is important
<br />Subject: Opposition to Expanding Rent Control in Redwood City
<br />Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
<br />My name is Kathy Zmay, and I am a 40-year resident of Redwood City and low-income housing provider.
<br />I am responsible, not greedy, honest, not deceitful, hardworking, not lazy, and I am not an anomaly. Yet
<br />many “tenant advocates “ want to paint “us”as monsters. I respectfully urge the City Council to allow the
<br />proposal that would expand rent control beyond the tenant protections already in place , go to the voters.
<br />Redwood City recently adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance that includes just-cause eviction protections,
<br />relocation assistance requirements, and enforcement of California's statewide rent increase limits. These measures
<br />already provide significant safeguards for renters while maintaining a reasonable balance between tenant protections
<br />and housing investment.
<br />While I understand and share concerns about housing affordability, I do not believe additional rent control is the
<br />best solution. The proposed Fair and Affordable Housing Ordinance would impose stricter rent caps, additional fees,
<br />and expanded regulations on rental housing providers. Supporters argue this will improve affordability, but there is
<br />also concern that further restrictions could discourage investment in existing housing, reduce the funds to keep up
<br />with property maintenance, and make it more difficult to preserve our rental housing over the long term.
<br />The fundamental challenge facing Redwood City is not simply the cost of existing housing—it is the shortage of
<br />(affordable) housing supply. Policies that encourage housing production, streamline permitting, support
<br />redevelopment, and increase housing choices are more likely to address affordability in a lasting way.
<br />I am very concerned that additional local regulations could create uncertainty for property owners, particularly small
<br />landlords like me, who provide a significant portion of our low-income rental housing. When operating costs
<br />continue to rise , but rent increases are further restricted,owners will be forced to leave the rental market, reducing
<br />housing options for future residents. Similar debates in other California cities have highlighted concerns about
<br />unintended consequences and market distortions that can result from aggressive rent-control policies.
<br />I encourage the City Council to focus on solutions that increase housing availability and affordability without
<br />discouraging investment in our community. Redwood City should continue pursuing policies that expand housing
<br />supply, support responsible development, and protect vulnerable residents while maintaining a healthy rental
<br />market.
<br />I am particularly concerned about the impact on small landlords. Rising insurance costs, property taxes with all the
<br />“extras,” ongoing maintenance expenses, and regulatory compliance costs are already putting pressure on so many
<br />of us. Additional rent-control restrictions could make it harder for us small residential property owners to maintain
<br />our aging properties, make improvements, and continue taking pride in offering affordable, safe, good looking
<br />housing in Redwood City. If we want more housing options, and happy tenants, with well-maintained homes, we
<br />should avoid policies that further increase the financial burden on those who provide that housing, and support those
<br />of us who work to keep rental homes safe , clean .habitable and affordable.
<br />It would be so nice to receive a “ Good – Landlord “ award, and a pat on the back, for making our little piece of
<br />paradise a better place to live, as opposed to the constant beating of a dead horse. Voters keep saying NO, and yet
<br />here we go again. Please hear our cries and logic.
<br />Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community.
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