pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-20.pdf, 2
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2017-03-20 | 2 | Approved Minutes March 20, 2017 The tenant, Ms. Awawda, stated she did not consider any rent increase reasonable because the rent was raised significantly the previous two years. However, she recognized the landlord has expenses and she proposed a rent increase of $90.00 (3.1%) for a two-year lease. The tenant noted that she pays for all utilities in the unit and has completed repairs and maintenance to the property. The tenant acknowledged that she owes the landlord over $1,800 and that she plans to reimburse the landlord in the next few months. The tenant stated that the proposed rent increase would be a financial burden because her family has limited income as result of a disability and underemployment. Ms. Awawda explained that she would like to move, but cannot afford to. The tenant also noted she has trouble paying rent by the 5th as she does not receive certain income by that time. In addition, it has been difficult to by the rent by cashiers' check. The landlord, Ms. Chan, proposed a reduced rent increase of $145.00 (5.0%). She explained that she has worked with the tenant for the last few years, accepting late rent and noted the tenant owes the landlord around $1,800. The landlord stated the rent increase is in effort to have a reasonable rate of return and that the unit's rent is below the market rate. Ms. Chan considered market rate for a comparable unit to be about $3,600. She also noted that the unit is in good condition and that she is responsive to maintenance requests. She stated that the increase will help to cover rising expenses related to taxes, insurance, interest rates, and homeowner association fees. She noted that she would keep the rent due on the 8th rather than the 5th to allow more time for the tenant to pay the rent. In addition, the landlord would create a way for the tenant to pay rent by direct deposit. The parties were unable to reach an agreement. Member Friedman stated that the situation is difficult. He acknowledged that he heard the tenant wished to move out and proposed that the landlord raise the rent less for six months to allow the tenant time to search for housing, with the ability to raise the rent at the end of the six months if the tenant did not vacate. The landlord did not feel comfortable with this option. Member Griffiths noted that the tenant was in a difficult situation and that the landlord had put a great deal of effort to accommodate the tenant. He explained that he supports a 5.0% increase to encourage negation between parties. He recommended that this reduced rent increase become effective on March 1, 2017. Vice Chair Landess acknowledged the efforts of parties to work with each other. She noted that the landlord appears to recognize the tenant's hardship and seems to be accommodating by allowing near $1,800 to remain as owed rent. She supported a 5.0% increase effective March 1, 2017. The Committee made the following non-binding decision: Page 2 of 5 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-03-20.pdf |