SLO City Council Votes to Move Forward with Rental Registry

Council members debate timing and funding for new program aimed at improving rental conditions

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The San Luis Obispo City Council voted unanimously to move forward with plans to create a rental registry, despite disagreement among council members over the timing and funding for the program. While some councilors wanted to implement the registry immediately, others argued there is currently a lack of funding and suggested adding it as a priority in the 2027-2029 financial plan. The registry is intended to help root out bad landlords and create rent stabilization, with supporters arguing it will support the city's diversity, equity and inclusion goals and serve as a tool against global warming. Landlords and property managers, however, opposed the registry, claiming the costs will be passed on to tenants.

Why it matters

The rental registry is a controversial proposal that has divided the San Luis Obispo community. Proponents see it as a way to improve rental conditions and promote equity, while opponents argue it will lead to increased costs for tenants. The council's decision to move forward with the registry, despite the disagreement over timing and funding, reflects the ongoing debate over housing policies in the city.

The details

The San Luis Obispo City Council voted 5-0 to move forward with plans for a rental registry. The registry is intended to help the city root out bad landlords and create rent stabilization. During the meeting, landlords and property managers argued that a registry is not needed and that the costs will be passed on to tenants. A group of renters, many of whom are members of a tenant union, argued that the registry is necessary to improve rental conditions and support the city's diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

  • The San Luis Obispo City Council voted on Tuesday, February 27, 2026 to move forward with the rental registry plan.
  • The council agreed to add the rental registry as a priority in the 2027-2029 financial plan.

The players

Jan Marx

A San Luis Obispo City Councilwoman who wanted to move forward with the rental registry immediately.

Michelle Shoresman

A San Luis Obispo City Councilwoman who argued there is currently a lack of funding for the rental registry and suggested adding it as a priority in the 2027-2029 financial plan.

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What they’re saying

“There is a desire 'for safe, stable housing in the community.'”

— Michelle Shoresman, San Luis Obispo City Councilwoman (calcoastnews.com)

What’s next

City staff will continue to research and collect information on the rental registry as part of the 2027-2029 financial plan process.

The takeaway

The rental registry proposal in San Luis Obispo has sparked a debate over housing policies, with supporters arguing it will improve rental conditions and opponents claiming it will lead to higher costs for tenants. The council's decision to move forward with the registry, despite disagreement over the timing and funding, reflects the ongoing challenges in addressing housing issues in the city.