pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-01-23.pdf, 5
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2019-01-23 | 5 | Approved Minutes January 23, 2019 Chair Murray asked Ms. Rousseau if she wanted to respond. She stated that she believes the discrepancy in the property tax figures may be due to the purchase occurring in the middle of the calendar year. The utility estimate includes $600 for garbage service every two months and is also the same that the previous owner used during the sale. She said she was unsure what Ms. Conway was referring to in reference to the lost permit. Member Johnson asked if Ms. Rousseau had received a comprehensive assessment or official report of the maintenance issues prior to purchasing. Ms. Rousseau confirmed that they did. Member Chiu asked clarifying questions about Ms. Conway's tenancy and the property. She stated that she has lived there since 2010, her rent increased $19 in 2011, $45 in 2017, and $50 in 2018, and she was comfortable with those increases. She added that the property does not include laundry or common areas other than stairwells, hallways, and lighted outdoor spaces. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah asked whether Ms. Conway was the only working adult in the unit. She responded that she was, and her use of "we" in submitted materials refers to tenants of other units. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah asked what sources had informed her statement that 1/3 of take-home pay is a reasonable amount. She responded that in her experience it is a common rule and often a prerequisite when property management companies are evaluating applicants. Chair Murray asked clarifying questions about Ms. Rousseau's family and finances. She responded that she bought the property with her brother, who is disabled and not able to work. She said he receives SSI and she provides him with additional support. She stated her brother is dependent on income from the building to supplement his income, which was their intention when they purchased the property, and the purchase was also a retirement investment. Chair Murray asked what the impact on Ms. Rousseau and her brother would be if they did not get the rent increase they were seeking. She responded that she would not be able to help her brother as much as she wanted, and that it would limit needed upgrades to the building. She said the electrical upgrade would cost $30,000, and interior painting would cost $3,000 per unit, and the building has seven one-bedroom units of similar size. Ms. Conway questioned whether her unit should be considered a one-bedroom apartment because it does not have interior doors. Ms. Rousseau provided a floorplan of the unit. Chair Murray noted that Ms. Rousseau's submitted expenses include the annual housing program fee, which the Ordinance expressly forbids from passing on to tenants. Chair Murray asked Ms. Conway about the current condition of her unit. Ms. Conway stated that none of the issues identified in her submission rose to the level of emergency. She said she wears slippers to avoid injuries due to loose floor tiles, and the windows are | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-01-23.pdf |