Fewer apartments available in Vacaville than a year ago

Fewer apartments available in Vacaville than a year ago
By Melissa Murphy/
Posted: 12/14/2009 01:00:59 AM PST

The estimated vacancy rate in Vacaville for apartments is down from the previous year.

The Planning Commission will receive an update Tuesday during its council meeting about a recent apartment survey conducted in the city.

The estimated citywide apartment vacancy rate is 4 percent, down from 5 percent last year. According to a staff report, a vacancy rate of 3 percent to 5 percent is considered a balanced rental market.

Cynthia Johnston, director of Housing and Redevelopment, explained that the apartment vacancy survey showed a decrease for three reasons, including, former homeowners who foreclosed on their homes and are turning to apartments to meet their housing needs, which reduces the availability.

There was a slight increase in one-bedroom unit vacancies over the past year from 4.7 percent to 4.8 percent. The vacancy rates for two- and three-bedroom units also decreased.

Out of a pool of 5,031 apartment rental units, 4,905 units responded to the survey. Of those that responded, 194 were reported to be vacant and available for rent while an additional 112 units were reported to be vacant but unavailable for renting.

About 1,150 units were not included in the survey because they have restricted rents; furthermore, the survey also did not consider single-family dwellings that are rentals.

During the past year, median rents increased by 2.9 percent for one-bedroom units; increased by 1.8 percent for two-bedroom units and three-bedroom units increasing by 10.7 percent.

The staff report showed that the median rent for one bedroom is $947, $1,125 for two bedrooms and $1,400 for three bedrooms.

The overall senior-only apartment style housing showed a 5.1 percent vacancy. Of the 428 senior-only rental apartment-type units included in the survey, 28 were reported to be vacant and available for rent, according to the staff report.

In other action, commissioners will consider a recommendation to the City Council to amend the Land Use and Development Code that would automatically extend an additional two years local planning approvals associated with tentative maps.

The Vacaville Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 650 Merchant St.