Hayward Moving Forward on More Rental Rules
             During their Feb. 19 marathon meeting lasting well past   midnight, the Hayward City Council directed staff to work on the   following new rental housing policies:   Increasing rent,        and all other charges, more than 5% would trigger a mandatory meditation        process with the potential of a binding arbitration between the landlord        and tenant.  This requirement would apply to all rental units        except single-family homes.  It is not yet clear whether        condominiums would be exempt.    The current        vacancy decontrol process could be eliminated altogether or possibly        suspended for three to five years for the remaining 1,000 to 1,600 units        in Hayward currently subject to the Residential Rent Stabilization        Ordinance.    Eviction for        Cause would be expanded to cover all rental units including        single-family homes and condominiums.    Require all        landlords to notify the City of Hayward when in...