pages: RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-07-01.pdf, 6
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee | 2019-07-01 | 6 | Approved Minutes July 1, 2019 Sullivan-Cheah noted the last three increases on this unit were all just under 5 percent and the committee could therefore not issue a binding decision on them. Chair Sullivan-Cheah and Member Chiu asked about upgrades, improvements, and housing services. Ms. Soltero explained that the unit has had only standard repairs in the last year. The eight-unit building's roof was replaced about six years ago. In addition, in the 12 years she has worked there, work has included a seismic retrofitting, landscaping, repaving the parking lot, and replacing windows. As things needed repair, they would fix it. Gas, water, and garbage are included in the rent, and tenants pay for electricity. Mr. Giordano said he has received the same standard level of maintenance with no recent upgrades. Member Sidelnikov asked if the nearly 5 percent rent increases reflect the improvements made to the property or if they are policy and related to the Ordinance no. 3148. Ms. Soltero said she was not qualified to answer. Chair Sullivan-Chea asked if it's fair to say rent increases have outpaced the increase in his salary. Mr. Giordano responded yes. He said he limits expenses by cooking at home and not traveling. Having enough for rent, gas, insurance, and medical expenses has been a financial challenge, he said, and he is not able to afford any rent increase. Chair Sullivan-Chea asked Mr. Giordano if he still feels the same about no rent increase because it's what he can afford. Mr. Giordano replied yes. Chair Sullivan-Chea asked Ms. Soltero if the ownership group is staying firm with 4.9% increase, or is there flexibility based on circumstances. Ms. Soltero said the ownership may be willing to be flexible on the increase. Chair Sullivan-Chea asked both parties whether a $55 increase may be possible. Mr. Giordano said he did not think that would be fair because of the history of increases. The parties were unable to reach agreement and returned to their seats. Bill Rowen provided public comment on the agenda item. He said he has known Mr. Giordano ever since Mr. Giordano moved to Alameda. He said Mr. Giordano is considering leaving Alameda if he cannot resolve his rent issues, which Mr. Giordano confirmed. Mr. Rowen said he has had many of his friends leave Alameda because they could not afford rent increases. The Committee began deliberations. Member Sidelnikov said he was concerned that this was the third year of increases just under 5 percent, and that it seems like an approach to avoid a binding decision by the committee. He said there are people on limited incomes would be displaced by a policy to increase rent 5 percent every year, and people in the workforce often don't see that type of increase in salary. | RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2019-07-01.pdf |