Rent Review Program

Rent Review Process

A tenant challenging a rent increase will first be encouraged to reach out to their housing provider directly to resolve the issue. However, if no agreement was reached, or if the tenant chooses not to speak with their housing provider first, the first step in the Rent Review process is to resolve the matter through consultation which may include mediation. In the event the rent dispute is not resolved through consultation and/or mediation, either a landlord or a tenant may ask for a hearing before a Rent Review Board IF the proposed rent increase is over 5%.

Both landlords and tenants are required to participate in the process at no charge to the participants. While the recommendations of the Rent Review Board are not binding, the City believes that by providing a neutral setting for discussion led by a trained Rent Review Board, the rent review process will result in fair and equitable resolutions to both parties.

For more information on how the rent review process works, check out our video below.

New Rent Increase Notice Requirements

The Rent Review Ordinance has new requirements for all rent increase notices that are provided to tenants. All rent increase notices must:

be in writing
show the contact information of the landlord or responsible party
if the increase is over 5%, provide an explanation of why the increase is needed
include the Rent Review Ordinance language about the availability of rent review in all languages provided by the City of Fremont

Landlords may use the Rent Review Noticing Form in addition to their standard rent increase notice to satisfy the City's rent increase notice requirements.

RENT REVIEW NOTICING FORM

Rent Review Program Forms

Request for Rent Review

In order to request to initiate the Rent Review process, please fill out the Request for Rent Review form and submit it via email, mail, or in person along with a copy of the Rent Increase Notice. Please note that a request must be made within 15 calendar days from the date on the Rent Increase Notice.

REQUEST FOR RENT REVIEW form

Response to Rent Review Request

Once a request form is received, our office will contact the opposing party and request that they complete the Response to Rent Review form and submit it via email, mail, or in person along with the requested documents in the form. Please note that a response form must be submitted within 5 business days, or else the Rent Increase Notice is invalid.

RESPONSE TO RENT REVIEW form

Responsible Party Declaration

If a landlord does not want to participate in the Rent Review process themselves, they may designate someone to participate on their behalf. The designee must have the authority to adjust rents and resolve tenant disputes on the landlord's behalf.
* Please note: this form only needs to be submitted when submitting a response form.