Court Rules that a Room Rented Out of a Single-family Home is NOT Exempt from Rent Control

On Friday, May 2, 2019, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch ruled against landlord Owens’ Petition for Writ of Mandate (an Appeal of the Oakland Rent Board’s Decision) where he claims that his single-family home where he resides and rents out rooms to unrelated parties is exempt from local rent control under State law, Costa-Hawkins. This law exempts single-family homes and condos from local rent control. Owens shares a kitchen with his roommates. Judge Roesch DENIED Owens’ petition.  

This decision has huge implications for homeowners looking to rent out extra rooms in their homes to help pay the mortgage. If this ruling stands, renting out rooms in your house will be subject to Rent Control…and all the same requirements big landlords deal with.

Look for this decision to be appealed. As always, we’ll keep you informed. To read more click here…