pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-08-29.pdf, 2
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2018-08-29 | 2 | Approved Minutes August 29, 2018 Member Friedman said that he requested the landlords provide additional information on how they calculated fair rate of return at the last meeting, but the landlords' letter did not provide this. Chair Cambra noted that the RRAC process is different than most other cities' process for holding hearings and evaluating rent increases. 6-A. CASE 1086 - 2485 Shoreline Dr., Apt. 222 Tenant: Jamila Harakat Landlords: Joanna Leonard, Randall Kessler, Michael St. John, Andrew Fisher Proposed rent increase: $310.64, effective October 1, 2018, from a base rent of $1,395.00 to a total rent of $1,705.64. Ms. Harakat said she and her husband moved to Tropic Sands in 2011 and received increases in 2012 and 2013. She said her husband was injured at that time and could not work. She said that when construction on the apartments started her husband got sick and discovered he was allergic to dust. To aid his healing, they left the country during the construction that began in 2015 so he would not be exposed to the construction dust. She said he works part-time now, and their income is limited. She said she works full- time in a shoe store in Alameda, and the proposed increase posed a financial hardship. She added that their apartment required maintenance, and their maintenance concerns have not been addressed. She said there is mold in the unit which she believes is causing a reaction in her eyes. She said that Darren, former maintenance staff, had come into their unit without permission twice. She said they could afford an increase of $50. Vice Chair Murray reflected back Ms. Harakat's concerns and clarified that the tenants paid six months' rent up front while they were out of the country during the construction. The landlords stated that the construction ended in 2017 and lasted about 1.5 years. Mr. St. John passed out notes to the RRAC members responding to Ms. Harakat's Form RP- 01, clarifying that the carpet was new when she moved in, even though she said there was a stain on it. Member Sullivan-Cheah asked Ms. Harakat when the work was done on the balcony and she said in 2015. The landlords clarified that her balcony faced an interior courtyard. Member Sullivan-Cheah asked about her husband's work and condition. She said he works part-time for Uber and was permanently injured, making it hard for him to sit or stand for long periods of time. He then asked her what percentage of her income would go toward rent with the landlords' requested increase. Ms. Harakat said that if the rent increased to $1,527.53 under the multi-year phase-in option, the rent would amount to about 60% of her income, and her husband's income is inconsistent and covers just some basic bills, such as his car and insurance. Page 2 of 9 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-08-29.pdf |