pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2016-12-05.pdf, 5
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2016-12-05 | 5 | Approved Minutes December 5, 2016 Member Schrader noted that CPI since 1980 has increased 3.3% per year. He stated that raising the rent to $1,500 calculates to around a 2.2% annual rent increase or 2/3 of the CPI increase. Based on these numbers, Schrader also stated that $1,500 rent appeared reasonable. He noted that it appeared that the landlord was willing to be flexible to resolve this issue. He also stated that the people with the best understanding of what is reasonable rent are the tenant and the landlord. Chair Sullivan-SariƱana expressed concern for situations like this one where there is a long history of no rent increase and then a significant increase at once. He also noted concern that $500 may be an unaffordable monthly increase for someone on a fixed income and the Committee's role is to reduce harm to tenants and keep people in their homes. Member Griffiths brought up the subletting option, noting the difficulty that the tenant stated this was not a realistic option based on her health circumstances. He expressed the consideration and flexibility the landlord had with offering this option. Member Griffiths supported the rent increase to $1,500 with the option remaining open for the tenant to sublet rooms when her health improves. Staff noted the Committee members have the option of phasing a rent increase. Member Schrader suggested the Committee could use this option by raising the rent to what the tenant said was affordable and phasing a second rent increase later, allowing the tenant time to adjust to the increase. Member Friedman stated that there is an option for either party to appeal the decision of the Committee. The Committee recommended a rent increase of $200.00 to a monthly rent of $1,200.00, effective January 1, 2017 followed by a $300.00 increase to a monthly rent of $1,500.00, effective June 1, 2017. The Committee also strongly encouraged the landlord to allow the tenant the option to sublet available rooms in the apartment. Motion and second (Griffiths and Friedman). Approved by Members Friedman, Griffiths, and Schrader. Chair Sullivan-SariƱana voted no. 7-H. Case 581 - 1909 Cambridge Dr. Proposed Rent Increase: $508.00 (22.0%), effective January 1, 2017 No review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant submitted paperwork to vacate the unit. Page 5 of 7 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2016-12-05.pdf |