On May 21, 2019, the City Council adopted the Rent Registry Ordinance, El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 10.100 (Ordinance No. 2019-03), effective June 20, 2019. The ordinance establishes an annual reporting requirement to submit data into a City database information regarding rents and other relevant information about rental units during the annual business license renewal process. The annual reporting requirement applies to all owners of residential rental property, with some exceptions. The data collected will be used to inform the City Council about the rental market, trends and housing stock in El Cerrito. The City Council has not, at this time, provided any direction for the Rent Registry to be used to regulate rents in the City. Participation in the program is mandatory.

Business License Renewal Notices and Rent Registry Forms were mailed to property owners/managers on June 13, 2019. The 2019 Rent Registration database will be open on Monday, July 1st. Property owners/managers must register by close of business on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Failure to submit by the deadline could result in administrative penalties and enforcement proceedings. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The City will exercise all available remedies to ensure that all residential rental properties are compliant.

Summary of Requirements

• Applicability: All residential rental properties in El Cerrito, including single-family residences and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are subject to reporting.
• Registration fee: $44.00/per unit.
• Reporting Period: July 2017 – June 2019.
• Exceptions: Hotels/motels, bed & breakfast, affordable housing, on-site manger units.

Registration Methods
Property owners/managers are encouraged to renew business licenses and complete the rent registry electronically. In order to prepare for your submission, please compile your documents/records, including: unit/property address, square footage, rents for the past 24-months and tenancy dates. 

1. To submit your response and registration fees electronically through our secure online database, click here (Weblink Available Beginning 7/1/2019).
2. To submit your response by paper, you can mail or deliver your completed form and registration fees to: City of El Cerrito 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
   

Once the required forms and payments are completed, you will receive confirmation of your submission.

Important Documents and Information

Click below to view:

• Rent Registry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 2019 Rent Registry Form – Online Form (Weblink Available on 7/1/2019) 
• 2019 Rent Registry Form – Paper Form (Submit by mail or in-person on/after 7/1/2019)
• 2019 Rent Registry – Registration Amendment Form (Coming Soon)
• Rent Registry Ordinance
• Business Licenses in El Cerrito 
• Business License Renewal FAQ
  
• Background Information: Tenant Protections
• Just Cause for Eviction and Harassment Protections
• Affordable Housing in El Cerrito

Rent Registry Workshop
Please subscribe to the Community Development Department E-News www.el-cerrito.org/CommDev to learn about future workshop dates and other program announcements.

Contact Us
For any questions, please contact our office.

The City's normal business hours are listed below.

• Monday Wednesday and alternate Friday’s 8am – 4pm
• Tuesday and Thursday 8am – 6pm.

City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: 510-215-4314
Email: housing@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Website: www.el-cerrito.org/housing