On May 9, the San Jose City Council voted 9-2 for the Just Cause urgency ordinance, putting crucial new protections for renters into effect immediately. Now 450,000 tenants in San Jose, CA, can no longer be evicted without a valid reason. Since the Council first voted to develop a Just Cause ordinance in April, San Jose has seen a rise in no cause evictions as unscrupulous landlords sought to evict tenants before the new rules took effect. This urgency ordinance prevents any more last-minute evictions from landlords trying to game the system.

CPD affiliate Working Partnerships USA worked tirelessly to secure this victory as part of the Silicon Valley Renters’ Rights Coalition, collaborating with the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, PACT South Bay, Latinos United for a New America, Sacred Heart Community Service, Silicon Valley De-Bug, the Santa Clara County Affordable Housing Network, and Tenants Together to prevent a flood of last-minute evictions.

CPD would like to congratulate all the partners, activists and protesters who fasted, came out to City Hall, and worked so hard for Just Cause and the urgency ordinance.CPD would like to congratulate all the partners, activists and protesters who fasted, came out to City Hall, and worked so hard for Just Cause and the urgency ordinance.

This fight is not over, however. You can continue to help keep fighting displacement and addressing Silicon Valley’s affordable housing crisis. Later this year, we expect San Jose City Council to consider further protections for renters, including capping rent hikes in rent-controlled apartments at the inflation rate. Learn more and get involved here!