THOUSAND OAKS : Law Would Regulate House Rentals

A Thousand Oaks councilwoman, working with a citizens committee, has drafted an ordinance that would prevent landlords from overcrowding single-family homes with renters.

Under the plan, at least 90 square feet of bedroom space would have to be set aside for each occupant, according to the proposal that Councilwoman Elois Zeanah helped draft.

Landlords also would be required to register all rentals with the city and provide the names of renters.

Zeanah said she plans to present the proposal to other council members today.

The ordinance is an attempt to keep neighborhoods free of homes that have been illegally converted into boardinghouses.

Last year, some Thousand Oaks residents demanded that the City Council crack down on landlords and homeowners who allow single-family homes to become boardinghouses.

They say the extra renters and cars in the neighborhood create problems with traffic, noise and parking.

“We’re just trying to regulate rentals so overcrowding doesn’t occur,” Zeanah said.

A citizens committee has been working on an ordinance since last year, when the City Council tossed out a proposal to regulate single-family neighborhoods by limiting the number of people who could live in each house.