pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-06.pdf, 2
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2017-03-06 | 2 | Approved Minutes March 6, 2017 Proposed rent increase: $300 (23%), effective date delayed until RRAC review Staff announced that the landlord submitted additional documents after the agenda was published. These documents are available in the agenda packet at the back of the room. Staff also stated that the tenant's daughter is providing translation for the evening and professional phone translation will be available, if needed. The tenant, Khurelbaatar Janchivdorj, explained that this increase would pose a significant financial burden on his family. He stated that he had recently lost his job and does not have a stable income. He acknowledged there had been seismic improvements to the building and that there had not been a rent increase for four years. He proposed a rent increase of $200.00 (15.4%), explaining that he is searching for employment and he has always paid rent on time. Staff asked if Mr. Khurelbaatar preferred to continue translation with his daughter, Ms. Khurelbaatar, or if he would prefer to use a professional translator via phone. Mr. Khurelbaatar confirmed he preferred translation with his daughter and staff ended the phone call with the professional translator. The landlord, Mr. Cliff, stated that the unit's rent is below market rate. He believed that market rate for a comparable unit is near $1,800. He explained that there had been costly capital improvements and repairs to the unit, such as seismic upgrades, securing walls, and repairing leaks. Mr. Cliff also noted that the business is currently operating at a loss. He explained that the income from this unit is an essential part of his retirement income. Mr. Cliff stated that $1,600.00 was that lowest rent increase he could accept. Vice Chair Landess noted that the parties may not have had the chance to discuss the rent increase in person since they live in different cities. She emphasized that this meeting is an opportunity for the parties find an arrangement that works for both of them. Member Friedman noted that the tenant has been very transparent about what his family can afford. Member Griffiths proposed a stepped rent increase. Member Friedman suggested a stepped rent increase of $200.00, followed by a $100.00 increase some months later. The parties discussed the timing of the rent increase and a potential stepped increase the following year. The landlord stated that if the rent increased $300 this year, he expected to raise rent no more than 5% the following year. The parties agreed to a $300 rent increase with $100 delay for 10 months. The landlord stated he intends to raise the rent no more than 5% the following year. Member Griffiths recommended that the Committee take action to confirm the parties' agreement of a rent increase of $300.00 (base rent $1,300 to $1,600) effective April 1, 2017, with $100 of the Page 2 of 11 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-06.pdf |