Urge Your Supervisor to Prioritize Tenant Protections! 

At 9 a.m. on July 10, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will be discussing a broad set of updates to the County's tenant protections ordinance. 

The Tenant Protection Ordinance (Ordinance) establishes basic protections for tenants in unincorporated San Mateo County. These protections seek to limit the number of tenant displacements by narrowing the grounds on which landlords may force out current tenants or reject applications of prospective tenants. Learn more about the Tenant Protections Ordinance with this factsheet.

Eviction is one of the primary reasons for displacement in San Mateo County. It has deep and long-lasting consequences for physical, mental, and financial health. Even just the threat of eviction can pressure tenants into leaving their housing or tolerating poor housing conditions. In a report developed by the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, 50% of households that defended evictions in court in 2014 experienced at least one period of homelessness afterwards.

This ordinance will strengthen our rights to prevent mistreatment, close existing loopholes in the law, and ensure that there are real consequences that will deter wrongful behavior. Together, we can ensure that there are meaningful and accessible options for tenants to get information and enforce their rights.

Use this simple letter tool to submit a pre-filled letter in support of the TPO to your County Supervisor today! Your address is necessary to identify your Supervisor, but your personal information will remain private. Make sure to review and edit the form letter, as there are a few areas for you to fill in.