The Department of Housing (DOH) introduced the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) on Monday, an ordinance that aims to tackle the “affordability crisis” by banning hidden fees and instituting just cause for eviction protections while ensuring tenants benefit transparency through a rental registry. PRO has five major components:  

• RLTO Modernization: Updates outdated provisions, standardizes fees and deposits, strengthens tenant rights, and creates a Tenant Bill of Rights. 

• Rental Registry: Requires annual registration of all non-owner-occupied rental units, creating a citywide data system to support enforcement and policy decisions. 

• Bureau of Rental Housing Services (RHS): Creates a new administrative body within DOH responsible for rental complaint processing, investigation, and enforcement coordination. 

• Eviction Counsel Program (ECP): Codifies legal representation for tenants facing eviction, stabilizing the existing “Right to Counsel” pilot program. 

• Just Cause for Eviction: Establishes a requirement that landlords provide valid reasons for eviction or non-renewal, with relocation assistance in certain cases.