pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2016-10-03.pdf, 3
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2016-10-03 | 3 | Approved Minutes October 3, 2016 there is an additional roommate, Mr. Fanene stated he believes an increase of 5% is reasonable for the unit. Member Griffiths acknowledged the frequency of previous rent increases, noting there was an 8% rent increase in October 2015. Mr. Barber explained there have been improvements on the property and future repairs are still needed. Mr. Barber also expressed concern that future local regulations may make it difficult for him to raise rent. Moreover, he does not intend to raise the rent by a large amount next year. After some discussion, the parties reached an agreement of $150 (7.3%) rent increase, effective November 1st, 2016. The Committee confirmed that Mr. Barber and Mr. Fanene were agreeable to the arrangement. The Committee unanimously passed a recommendation upholding the parties' agreement. Motion and second (Sullivan-Sariñana and Griffiths). 7-G. Case 535 - 867 Oak St Tenant/public speaker: Kelli Martin Landlord/public speaker: Carl Babcock Proposed rent increase: $400 (33.3%) effective on November 1st, 2016 Ms. Martin stated the proposed rent increase felt excessive. In addition to the large amount proposed this year, the tenant explained that she received two rent increases last year in 2015. She noted that for 7 years she has lived in the unit, paying rent on time or early each month and believes she is a good tenant. Ms. Martin also explained that her fiancé now lives in the unit, though his income is irregular. She shared that her goal is to eventually move-out and live in a larger space. In addition, Ms. Martin stated she did not believe many of the units the landlord researched to estimate market-rent are comparable to hers. Mr. Babcock stated that he is retired and the unit accounts for a large portion of his income. He explained that he feels he should have a fair return on the unit and the market rate for a comparable unit averages about $400 above the current rent. In addition, Mr. Babock noted that in previous years he did not raise the rent because the tenant informed him that she planned to move-out soon. Member Schrader acknowledged that an increase of 33% is significant. He also noted that the landlord did not raise the rent for around five years, prior to 2015. Vice-chair Landess asked Mr. Babcock and Ms. Martin about options for the tenant to pay utilities and lowering the amount of the rent increase. There was discussion around costs associated with a new tenant and clarification on the difference between market rent for new tenants and current tenants. Mr. Babcock proposed Page 3 of 5 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2016-10-03.pdf |