pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-06.pdf, 4
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2017-03-06 | 4 | Approved Minutes March 6, 2017 Member Griffiths acknowledged that the landlord has the authority to impose the $100 rent increase because the percentage is below 5%. He recommended that the rent increase be $100. Motion and second to approve a rent increase of $100.00 (Griffiths and Landess). Vice-Chair Landess and Member Griffiths voted to approve the motion. Member Friedman voted against the motion and therefore the motion did not pass. The Committee did not reach a decision as to the amount of the rent increase but because the rent increase was below 5%, any decision the Committee would have made is non-binding. 7-B. Case 741 - 1220 Park Ave., Unit C Tenant: Barbara Maerz, Eric Strimling Landlord: Harold R. Vanderlaan Proposed rent increase: $700 (43.9%), effective April 1, 2017 The tenant, Ms. Maerz, stated that the maximum reasonable monthly increase would be $79.75 (5.0%). She stated that she has lived at the property for over 26 years and is member of the Alameda community. Ms. Maerz expressed that she has been a good tenant by paying rent on time and quickly notifying the landlord about maintenance issues. She stated that the rent increase process has been stressful and intimidating. She explained that the $700.00 increase is a financial burden for her. She also explained that the quality of the unit has not been upgraded to the quality of market rate units; as such, she does not believe such a large increase is warranted. The landlord, Mr. Vandelann, stated that his father purchased the property as an investment. He explained that the property's income is primarily used to cover his mother's costly medical expenses. He expressed that he is not profiting from this rent increase, rather he is looking to support his mother with her medical payments. Additionally, the rent increase will help to cover the costs of maintenance, such as carpet replacement and plumbing repairs. He stated that while his parents managed the property, the unit's rent was not increased for many years. He noted that the property manager commented that the unit's rent was below market rate. Mr. Vandelann expressed that even with the rent increase, the unit's rent would remain below market rate. He suggested implementing a stepped increase of 14.6% over three years. As another option, the landlord offered that the tenant could sublease the two available bedrooms in the apartment. Ms. Maerz stated that she would not feel comfortable adding a stranger as a subtenant, but might be open to adding a friend or family member in the future, though does not currently know a friend or family member looking for housing. She also explained that she is not open to a stepped increase. Page 4 of 11 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-06.pdf |