pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-07-01.pdf, 5
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2019-07-01 | 5 | Approved Minutes July 1, 2019 Member Sidelnikov reflected on Ms. Woldentensai's tenancy of 6.5 years in the unit, her financial hardship and being a single parent with two kids. He understands the issue with prior increases. Members Sidelnikov and Chiu expressed concern about two 10 percent increases in a row. Member Chiu said a $66.00 increase (5 percent), is something she could afford to do and he approves of it. Chair Sullivan-Cheah said the building was not in the best condition under the previous owner. He said that there's a history for allowing rent increases to go forward in this complex. He said he believes a 5 percent increase is fair, however, it's still a large increase. Motion and second for an increase of $66 (5 percent), to a total rent of $1385.00, effective July 1, 2019 (Members Chiu and Sidelnikov). Motion passed 3-0. 7-G. Case 1303 - 781 Central Ave., Unit A Tenant: Jeffrey Giordano Landlords: Andrea Soltero (Property Manager) Proposed rent increase: $75.00 (4.9%), to a total rent of $1610.00, effective July 1,2019. Mr. Giordano has been living in Alameda for the past seven years. He is a teacher's aide in special education at a public high school. He's been very involved within the community and runs a film series at the main library. When he moved in, he was living and sharing rent with his partner at the time, but that is no longer the case. He said annual rent increases have been a shock, and that he does not get a 4.9 percent increase in his salary every year. He had to forbear his student loans when he got the most recent rent increase letter. Ms. Soltero acknowledged that Mr. Giordano first moved in as one of two co-tenants. The owner approved the tenancy based on his partner's income. When she moved out, he experienced hardship to continue as a single tenant. Ms. Soltero said that comparable one-bedroom rent is anywhere from $1,950.00 to $2,025.00 They have increased the rent with a small, steady increases each year. She didn't have any arguments with what he submitted. It's an old building requiring a lot of maintenance. Mr. Giordano said when there is a maintenance issue, the landlord is helpful with taking care of it. Chair Sullivan-Cheah asked Ms. Soltero how the 4.9 percent rent increase was determined, while acknowledging that those decisions are made by the owners and not by her. She said she believes it is based on what Chair Sullivan-Cheah discussed earlier regarding requirements for increases greater than 5 percent, although the amount is not always near 5 percent, and that the amount is given across the board to all tenants. Chair | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-07-01.pdf |