A Fair Chance in Housing ordinance prohibits landlords from using a person’s criminal history in rental housing decisions, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to access stable housing. On April 14, the Palo Alto City Council directed staff to research more into it. Although the staff report had a proposed ordinance, council wanted more information about the protections provided via State Law and how a local ordinance would interact with it. SV@Home submitted a letter in support of adopting the ordinance and will follow the work on this ordinance as it progresses. 

On April 14, the Palo Alto City Council directed staff to research more into a Fair Chance in Housing Ordinance. Although the staff report had a proposed ordinance, council wanted more information about the protections provided via State Law and how a local ordinance would interact with it. A Fair Chance in Housing ordinance prohibits landlords from using a person’s criminal history in rental housing decisions, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity to access stable housing. SV@Home submitted a letter in support of adopting the ordinance.

Access to stable housing is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. Yet, people with past convictions — of which black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) remain overrepresented — often face blanket rejections when applying for housing, regardless of how long ago the offense occurred or whether they pose any risk as tenants. A Fair Chance in Housing ordinance removes this unjust barrier and supports reintegration, dignity, and community stability.

SV@Home has been proud to partner with the City of Palo Alto on tenant protections since 2019. Through the Partnership for the Bay’s Future Challenge Grant, we supported the placement of a full-time fellow at the City to help develop anti-displacement policies. This work has resulted in several impactful ordinances—including local just cause eviction protections, expanded relocation assistance, and improvements to rent data collection. The proposed Fair Chance to Housing ordinance is the final policy recommendation from this grant-funded partnership aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape in Palo Alto.

We will continue to monitor the progress on this ordinance and remain committed to educating the Palo Alto community on the recently implemented tenant protection policies.