Richmond Rent Program

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Limited Rent Program Services in Response to COVID-19 | Effective January 10, 2022

Beginning Monday, January 10, 2022, Rent Program staff will only be providing remote counseling services by phone or Zoom. Due to the ongoing public health crisis and limited staffing, there will be no in-person counseling until further notice. 

While ensuring the continuity of services, the health and safety of the Rent Program staff, their families, and the public we interact with, is paramount and this the following changes in services will be effective: 

  • No in-person appointments or walk-ins will be offered until further notice. Members of the public may still reach Rent Program staff and receive housing counseling by calling (510) 234-RENT (7368), ask questions via email at rent@ci.richmond.ca.us or schedule a phone or Zoom meeting appointment through our online scheduling system during normal Rent Program office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM and 1PM-4 PM). 
  • All scheduled in-person appointments will be rescheduled as phone or Zoom appointments.

Access the Rent Program Appointment Request Form to schedule an appointment with staff  

Richmond City Council Passes Temporary Moratorium on Certain Evictions of Residential Tenants in Richmond Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic 

On March 23, 2021, the Richmond City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 02-21 ("Eviction Moratorium") establishing a temporary moratorium on certain evictions of residential tenants in Richmond through the local emergency and sixty (60) days thereafter. 

For more information regarding applicable state and local laws in Richmond, access the Rent Program COVID-19 and Rentals: What Richmond Landlords and Tenants Need to Know Fact Sheet

NEW! Visit our COVID-19 Rental Related Information and Resources web page for more information concerning evictions and rent increases during the COVID-19 Pandemic

​CONTACT THE RICHMOND RENT PROGRAM



Rent Program staff members remain available to assist members of the public by phone (510-234-RENT [7368]) and email (rent@ci.richmond.ca.us) during Rent Program business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 4 PM.)

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​Rent Program Mission Statement


The Rent Program was established in January 2017 following approval of the Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance by a majority of Richmond voters in November 2016. The mission of the Rent Program is to promote neighborhood and community stability, healthy housing, and affordability for Richmond tenants through the regulating of those Landlord/Tenant matters that reasonably relate to rents and evictions, while maintaining a Landlord's right to a fair return.

Access the Rent Ordinance, Rent Board Regulations, and Related Laws

News & Events

Rent Board Adopts 2022 Annual General Adjustment in the Amount of 5.2% (Effective 09/01/2022)

At their meeting on April 20, 2022, the Rent Board adopted Regulation 610, establishing the 2022 Annual General Adjustment (AGA) rent increase for Controlled Rental Units in the amount of 5.2%. Rent increases for the 2022 Annual General Adjustment may not take effect prior to September 1, 2022.

The 2022 AGA may only be applied to tenancies in effect prior to September 1, 2021.

In addition, while keeping in mind the above information, to apply the 2022 Annual General Adjustment rent increase of up to 5.2%, Landlords must comply with State law requirements and file a notice of rent increase with the Rent Board within ten (10) business days after service on the Tenant, in accordance with Regulation 603. 

Visit www.richmondrent.org/increase to access resources such as a notice of rent increase template, Maximum Allowable Rent Calculator, and more.

What’s the Annual General Adjustment?

The Annual General Adjustment (AGA) is an annual rent increase for Controlled Rental Units permitted by the Richmond Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance. The Annual General Adjustment is calculated based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index of the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

Are Landlords Allowed to “Bank” Annual General Adjustment Rent Increases?

Pursuant to Rent Board Regulation 602, in the event that a current year’s Annual General Adjustment exceeds five percent (5.0%), a Landlord may not apply any deferred Annual General Adjustment increases until the next Annual General Adjustment increase less than five percent (5.0%) is effective.  

Due to the fact that the 2022 Annual General Adjustment is above the 5% threshold, landlords will be unable to bank any deferred AGA increases until the AGA falls below 5%.

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Shelter Inc.'s Emergency Rental Assistance Program Relaunched!

If you are currently housed and need rental or mortgage assistance you may qualify to apply for the program. 

The program is currently prioritizing households earning between 0-50% of AMI. Applicants/ households are required to verify their eligibility by applying to the program. 

Not sure if you qualify? Please contact Shelter Inc. for more information by calling (925) 335-0698 or visit the following website, https://forms.shelterinc.org/renthelp/renthelp.html  

Shelter Inc

Bay Area Legal Aid Richmond Housing Rights Clinic Cancelled Until Further Notice

Bay Area Legal Aid cancelled the Richmond Housing Rights Clinic until further notice due to Coronavirus Precautions. Please call 510-250-5270 if you need legal advice. More information available in the flyers below.

Housing Clinic Cancelled English Opens in new windowHousing Clinic Cancelled Spanish Opens in new window

Rent Board Receive 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Rent Program Annual Report

At their meeting on November 17, 2021, respectively, the Rent Board received a presentation of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Rent Program Annual Report. Section 11.100.060(e)(6) of the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance requires the Rent Board to report annually to the City Council on the status of rental housing covered by the Ordinance.

Read the 2019-20 & 2020-21 Rent Program Annual Report

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Rent Board Approves New Policy on Excess Rent Refunds

On June 19, 2019, the Rent Board rescinded Subsection (C) of Regulation 605, eliminating the requirement for Landlords to return excess rent via a cashier’s check with 10 days. In lieu of this requirement, and upon agreement of the Tenant, excess rent may be returned to the Tenant through the execution of a repayment agreement between the Tenant and Landlord, a reduction of Tenant’s rent until the amount is satisfied, the Landlord's partial payment of the amount owed combined with a reduction in rent, or other calculable forms of repayment. Under Section 11.100.100 of the Richmond Municipal Code, Tenants may not waive any provisions of the Rent Ordinance, which means that under any repayment plan, Tenants cannot waive or modify the amount of excess rent owed. The Tenant may only agree to modify the method and form of repayment. As is prudent practice, Landlords and Tenants are encouraged to document any agreement in writing and may request mediation through the Rent Program to facilitate an excess rent repayment agreement. Tenants who choose not to agree to a repayment plan, or whose Landlord fails to adhere to a previously agreed upon repayment plan, may file an Excess Rent petition with the Rent Program to compel the Landlord to refund any excess rent owed.

Contact Us


440 Civic Center Plaza
2nd Floor 
Richmond, CA 94804
Monday - Friday
9:00 am -12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

www.richmondrent.org
rent@ci.richmond.ca.us
510-234-RENT (7368) 
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