During the last two weeks of March, the FHA Legislative Action Committee (LAC) held dock meetings to discuss the rent control law amendment negotiated with the four Sausalito marinas. Soon, community residents will be asked to give your opinion through an online poll on whether the proposed changes to the state law governing floating home rent control should move forward.
In response to community feedback, the LAC sought two changes to the negotiated deal. With help from County staff, we successfully came to an agreement with the marinas regarding these changes. The LAC appreciates both the marinas’ openness and County staff’s support.
Both changes concern how berth rent could be adjusted when a floating home sells. All other elements of the proposal remain the same:
- When a floating home sells, the maximum new berth rent to the buyer is the lower of:
- (a) 0.15% of the sales price of the home or
- (b) A 25% increase over the seller’s rent.
Change: The proposal previously included a 30% increase in the current rent; the marinas agreed to reduce this to 25%.
- If the home is sold again within five years, the maximum new berth rent to that second buyer is the lower of:
- (a) 0.15% of the sales price of the home or
- (b) A 15% increase over the seller’s rent.
Change: The proposal previously included a maximum 30% increase regardless of recent sales. The marinas agreed to drop the 30% to 15% for a second sale within five years.
As a reminder, to be allowed any rent increase upon a home sale, the marina must have given the seller a 10-year lease and must offer a 10-year lease to the purchasing homeowners.
The legislation would take effect on July 1 of this year, rather than January 1, 2026, when most new laws become effective. This means:
- Home sales after July 1 would be subject to the limits above.
- Annual rent increases after July 1 will only be a CPI increase instead of CPI plus 3%.
The LAC believes these changes improve what was already a good deal for our community. We appreciate the community input that helped secure these beneficial upgrades and trust that support for the proposal will only grow as a result.
The final proposal will be coming to your inbox soon for survey action. The LAC will update materials on the proposal and circulate them, also posting them on the FHA website.