pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-08-30.pdf, 5
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2018-08-30 | 5 | Approved Minutes August 30, 2018 Mr. Kessler said he would be talking with Ms. Leonard to address their health and security concerns. The landlords and tenants discussed how to make proper work order requests, e.g., through email to management. Vice Chair Murray asked Mr. and Ms. Bouderka about their income. Mr. Bouderka said he is studying music at Laney College and does not plan on having income for at least the next year. Ms. Bouderka said she is gainfully employed. Vice Chair Murray asked if the increase would be a financial hardship and Ms. Bouderka said the $142.03 being proposed by the landlord's would be a hardship and she would have to cut back on groceries. Member Friedman asked the tenants how much of an increase they could afford, and how much they think is fair considering the issues they've raised. Ms. Bouderka said she believes a $50 increase for this year would be reasonable. She said she wrote in her response that an increase of $100 was what she thought was fair, but clarified she only thought that would be fair if the rent stayed at that rate for a period of three years, as previously the landlords would raise their rents only once every three years. Vice Chair Murray asked the landlords if asbestos was present at the property. Ms. Leonard said she did not think there was because they've passed the City's inspections. Ms. Bouderka said there was an asbestos warning posted in the unit. Ms. Leonard said there were popcorn ceilings in the building, which were removed by Synergy Environmental, a professional, certified environmental contractor that is qualified to remove asbestos. Member Sullivan-Cheah asked about the tenants' financial situation. The tenants replied they had new expenses, such as a car payment, and had concerns about keeping up with the cost of living in the area. Ms. Bouderka said living at the property had been stressful, as the apartments were having so many issues with mold, asbestos, security, loss of view, and abrasive letters from the landlords. Vice Chair Murray asked what percentage of the tenants' income the rent would be if it was increased to what the landlords were requesting, and the tenants declined to answer. The parties took a seat and the Committee deliberated. Member Sullivan-Cheah said he thought an increase of $50 was low considering the landlords had committed to addressing the ongoing maintenance, and health and safety concerns. Member Griffiths proposed an increase of $93.89, the CAPX cost. Page 5 of 7 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-08-30.pdf |