pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-09-17.pdf, 4
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2018-09-17 | 4 | Approved Minutes September 17, 2018 The landlords provided a letter during the hearing responding to Mr. Tsui's concerns and the Committee read it. Chair Cambra asked Mr. Tsui how much of an increase he thought was reasonable. Mr. Tsui responded that he believed an increase of $100 would be fair. Member Sullivan-Cheah asked Mr. Tsui about his living and financial situation. He said he did not complain about most minor maintenance issues in the unit. He added that being relocated during maintenance work caused frequent inconveniences and added expenses that he would not have had to endure if he had lived in his unit. He said that in addition to his own expenses he had to provide financial assistance to his parents, who were separated and lived apart from each other. Vice Chair Murray asked Mr. Tsui his occupation. He said he works for a media company maintaining their online platform. She asked him for additional details on the maintenance concerns he raised and he responded. She asked if he received concessions on rent during construction and he said no. She asked if he'd received increases and he said no. He said that he only reaches out for maintenance assistance when there is a strong need and added that the manager, Ms. Hawkins, is good about responding. Vice Chair Murray said that it's a tenant's responsibility to notify the landlord of needed repairs. He clarified that his position was more centered on the fact that there have been no improvements to his unit. RRAC members discussed the purpose and amounts of the increase requests with the landlords. Member Griffiths asked the landlords if they are running at a loss and Mr. St. John said they were not, adding that the building was not losing money each year. The parties took a seat and the RRAC members deliberated. Members Sullivan-Cheah and Griffiths voiced support for an increase between the $100 the tenant said he thought was fair with the one-year amount of $142.03 the landlords were requesting for this year. Vice Chair Murray said she thought the tenant did not show a financial hardship and that they Committee should give the landlords the amount they were requesting. Chair Cambra said he thought an increase of $130-142 would be reasonable. He said he's concerned about the fact that the tenant had to support his parents but did not think it could be taken into consideration by the Committee. He added that the CPI does not reflect on the expenses of a landlord. Member Sullivan-Cheah responded that he would be in favor of a $142 increase to compensate the landlords for the work they put into the unit. He said that if the parties Page 4 of 8 | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2018-09-17.pdf |