Frequently Asked Questions

Any property with a Rental Unit, as defined in Section 11.100.030 of the Fair Rent, Just Cause for Eviction, and Homeowner Protection Ordinance, is subject to the Rental Housing Fee. This includes units exempt from rent control but subject to just cause for eviction requirements, such as properties with one dwelling unit on one parcel, condominiums, and new construction.

Each year, the Richmond City Council adopts the Rental Housing Fee for the upcoming fiscal year following a recommendation from the Rent Board. The amount of the Rental Housing Fee for past, current, and future years is contained in the table below.

1.  Goto https://ims.ci.richmond.ca.us/ims 
2.  Enter your exact Invoice Number in the "Goto Record #" box at the top of the screen 
3.  Click Add to Cart 
4.  Click Credit or eCheck to process a payment through our secure credit card payment processor

Note: If payment is made with a Credit Card, a 2.95% transaction fee will be added to your total amount due. If paying by eCheck, a minimum $1 Service Fee may be charged.

Payment of the Rental Housing Fee is due (postmarked) within thirty (30) days of the date printed on the top of the invoice.

In order to qualify for the FY 2025-2026 Governmentally-Subsidized Rental Housing Fee, the owner must be participating in one of the following programs for the Rental Unit in question (see Regulation 202 for detail):

A. Rental units in which a tenant household holds a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and where the rent not does exceed the Payment Standard as published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

B. Rental units for which the rent is subsidized by the Project-Based Section 8 Program. 

C. Rental units that are “rent restricted” in a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program Project. “Rent Restricted” means the rent charged for the unit is affordable for a qualifying Tenant pursuant to the Regulatory Agreement. 

D. Rental units for which the rent is subsidized by the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. 

E. Rental units that are “rent restricted” under a regulatory agreement between a governmental agency and a property owner. “Rent Restricted” means the rent charged for the unit is affordable for a qualifying Tenant pursuant to the Regulatory Agreement.

Yes. Failure to pay the Rental Housing Fee before the filing of an Unlawful Detainer (eviction) lawsuit is a complete defense to an unlawful detainer (RMC 11.100.060(s)(3)).

In addition, the City Council adopted monetary penalties for late payment of the Rental Housing Fee, as shown in the table below. The City Council is also authorized to assess a lien on property where there are outstanding Rental Housing Fees (see Ordinance No. 16-17). Furthermore, Landlords with delinquent Rental Housing Fees may be referred to collections.

The Rent Program is designed to be a cost-recovery department, meaning its operations will not require assistance from the City’s General Fund. Instead, the Rent Program will rely on the Rental Housing Fee to generate the funds necessary to provide services to landlords, tenants, and community members:

•    Counseling for Landlords, Tenants, and other community members in our office, over the phone, and by email – we are available Monday-Friday to answer any questions 

•    Monthly Community Workshops provide education to Landlords and Tenants about the requirements of the Rent Ordinance, Relocation Ordinance, and related policies and regulations

•    Print materials: PowerPoint presentations, notice templates, resource guides, fact sheets, etc.

•    Legal services referrals to community services agencies

•    A hearings and petition process (at no additional cost)

•    A mediation program (at no additional cost)

The amount of the Rental Housing Fee is based on the annual operating budget adopted by the Rent Board.

Further reading: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Rent Program Budget and Fee Study