Just Cause Tenant Protections Discussed In Depth At City Council Meeting In Marin County

NOVATO, CA — Novato’s proposed Just Cause Tenant Protections ordinance got an intensive public airing at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, with hours of staff presentation, council questions and public comment.

Community Development Director Clare Hartman outlined how the draft would expand state tenant protections, particularly for no‑fault evictions where tenants are in good standing but must move because of issues like red tags or major renovations. The proposal includes relocation assistance tied to hotel per diems and HUD Fair Market Rent, plus a right of return once repairs are finished.

Council members emphasized they were not debating rent control.

“I received a large amount of messages about rent control, and I just want to be really clear that none of this ordinance is about rent control,” said Councilmember Tim O’Connor. “I tried to respond initially and keep up with it. The sheer volume of people that reached out was overwhelming.”

With two council members recusing themselves because they own rental properties, the remaining three worked through questions on small‑operator exemptions, how closely to mirror state law, and how large relocation payments should be in red‑tag and substantial renovation cases.