pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-05-01.pdf, 2
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2017-05-01 | 2 | Approved Minutes May 1, 2017 7-AF. CASE 805.1 - 2006 Santa Clara Ave. Tenant: Roberto De La Torre Landlord: Mortimer Howard and Felicia Howard Proposed Rent Increase: $350.00 (12.5%) effective June 1, 2017. Mr. Howard explained that the rent increase is an effort to earn a fair return on investment and that the unit's rent is below the market rate. He considered market rate for a comparable unit to be $3,400 based on his online research and conversations with real estate agents. He stated that the quality and location of the unit contributes to its value. Mr. Howard noted that he made costly improvements to the kitchen, floors, backyard, and roof when he purchased the property. Both Mr. Howard and his daughter expressed a desire to reach an agreement with the tenant. Mr. De La Torre explained there was a miscommunication with his landlord during the initial conversation of the rent increase. He was not informed of his rights in the notice and therefore the landlord was required to re-notice the rent increase. Mr. De La Torre stated this rent increase request poses a financial burden for his family. He also noted that he felt pressure from his landlord to accept the increase or move. Mr. De La Torre raised some concerns about the maintenance of the back fence and explained that he works hard to maintain the property to the best of his ability. He stated that an increase of $200.00 is more reasonable and affordable. Committee members asked about the number of tenants and bedrooms. Mr. De La Torre clarified that there are three adults and six children in the unit. He also clarified that they use two bedrooms, a converted living room, and a finished basement as a total of four sleeping rooms. Committee members requested that staff explain the fair housing occupancy standards. Staff described the two people per bedroom, plus one, guidelines. Members asked several questions of both parties to facilitate dialogue. The parties were unable to reach an agreement. Committee members concluded the conversation with tenant and landlord and opened deliberation between members to render a recommendation. Member Friedman noted the history of rent increases: four years of 5% increases, and more recently, two years of higher increases. He explained that the rent increase request is high, but also that the number of occupants is also high. He stated that he would support recommending a 10% increase. Chair Sullivan-SariƱana expressed concern for the tenant's ability to afford the requested increase. He explained that the requested 12% increase was very large. He added that the Committee does not consider market rent into their recommendation. He recommended an increase of 10%. Page 2 of 14 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-05-01.pdf |