pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-03-04.pdf, 3
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2019-03-04 | 3 | Approved Minutes March 4, 2019 Mr. Hanson explained that the increase request was an attempt to keep up with increasing costs, such as utilities. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah acknowledged that the landlord had significant expenses for 2018. Member Chiu confirmed that Ms. Hammer had been paying the rent increase since January and asked her how paying the increase affected her livelihood. Ms. Hammer said she has had to cut back on personal things. She said she had an unexpected dental bill in November 2018 for which she had to take out a short-term loan. She said she has had to tighten an already streamlined budget, and there were areas she could not cut, such as medical expenses for very serious injuries. She provided the Committee with a breakdown of her budget and explained that she could not keep up with increases of 4.5% per year. Member Johnson asked if her apartment was in working order and Ms. Hammer said the basics were in working order, but there was nothing extravagant in her unit. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah acknowledged the tenancy was long-term, and asked Mr. Hanson if she has been good tenant. Mr. Hanson replied that she had been a difficult tenant. Vice Chair Sullivan-Cheah asked Ms. Hammer if Mr. Hanson has been a good landlord and she replied that she did not talk to him unless she had to. She acknowledged that their perceptions on many things differed, and she has always paid rent on time and kept the home clean. She said he made her feel uncomfortable at times and has said things that she considers inappropriate. Chair Murray asked Mr. Hanson for details of his expenses and he provided them, including mortgage and sewer expenses. He said he relied on income from this and other investments to supplement social security, adding that he cannot afford to live in Alameda. Chair Murray asked what impact it would have on him if he could not get the increase he was requesting. Mr. Hanson said he needed the full increase to build up a reserve to pay for things that come up, such as resurfacing the driveways. Chair Murray noted a high level of contentiousness between the parties and no sign they were close to coming to an agreement. The parties took their seats and the Committee began deliberations. Member Chiu noted the rent of the property seemed low given the unit's size and amenities. | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-03-04.pdf |