pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-01-23.pdf, 7
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2019-01-23 | 7 | Approved Minutes January 23, 2019 7-E. Case 1190 - 2412 Eagle Ave., Apt. E Tenant: Marine Hovanessian Landlord: Kathy Rousseau Proposed rent increase: $391.00 (50.1%), to a total rent of $1,171.00, effective January 1, 2019 Ms. Rousseau stated that the current rent of $780 a month is 230 percent below the market rate, based on comparable one-bedroom units in the area. She said she was requesting the same $391 increase for all tenants of the property, and even with the increase, the rent would still be 50 percent below the market rate. Ms. Rousseau pointed out that the amount she was requesting was comparable to the amount the rent would be had the previous owner increased the rent 4.25 percent each year over the length of the tenancy. Ms. Hovanessian referred the Committee to the letter she submitted. She added that she has lived in the unit for 15 years and had built her life based on her existing rent. Specifically, she sponsored her mother's immigration to the United States in 2009 and her father's in 2013, and he explained that she is financially responsible for them, as they are unable to work because of their age and language barriers. She said she understands Ms. Rousseau's position, but the increase will have a large impact on her and her parents. The building does not have laundry facilities. There have been no upgrades to her apartment in the 15 years she has lived there. She said there are cracks between the tiles in her kitchen floor that water gets into. The windows cannot fully close which lets in cold air. She said living in Alameda provides a safe community for her parents. Her apartment is a little smaller than Unit D from the previous case. Member Chiu asked for clarification on previous rent increases and her finances. Ms. Hovanessian stated that there had been few rent increases during her tenancy, including none during the first six years. She said her monthly income is about $4,500 monthly, and expenses are about $4,430. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah asked for clarification on the condition of Ms. Hovanessian's apartment. She stated the previous owners replaced a broken heater and a window that would not close, although the window still has issues. Chair Murray noted that Ms. Hovanessian stated in her materials that no increase would be reasonable. Given the costs outlined by Ms. Rousseau, Chair Murray asked if there was any increase that Ms. Hovanessian could afford. Ms. Hovanessian questioned whether Ms. Rousseau would be OK with a 5 percent increase. Chair Murray responded that the hearing was an opportunity for the parties to talk directly and make offers. Ms. Hovanessian clarified that her mother and daughter lived with her immediately after their immigration, but her parents and daughter now lived in a small two-bedroom | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-01-23.pdf |