Title
Rent Review Board Hearing Case 2023-01 (cont’d)
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY
Rent Review Board (RRB) Hearing Request 2023-01 was submitted to the City’s Housing Division by the tenant living at 1055 Cecelia Court based on the ordinance allowing for a hearing for rent increases greater than 7%. At the October 24, 2023 RRB meeting, Board Members reviewed and continued the RRB Hearing Case 2023-01 item and provided a list of requests to the property management to investigate and report back to the Board at the November RRB Board meeting.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the RRB members hear RRB Case 2023-01 to assist the property owner and tenant in reaching a mutual agreement regarding the proposed rent increase and related issues.
BACKGROUND
RRB Case #: RRB2023-01
Tenant: Joel Stewart
Address: 1055 Cecelia Court
Unit Size: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Tenancy: 8 years
Owner/Manager: Carina White (Property Manager, Cecelia Court Apartments), Greystar Property Management
Current Rent: $1,671
Rent Increase: $153 (9.2% increase)
Proposed New Rent: $1,824
Effective date: October 1, 2023
Request submittal: August 16, 2023; Notice received August 15, 2023
City notice included: Yes
Per the tenant’s request, ECHO Housing reached out to Ms. Carina White, Property Manager at Greystar, in an effort to mediate. ECHO Housing suggested a reduced rent increase of 7% or lower. Ms. White declined this offer and indicated that Greystar will move forward with the 9.2% increase. Subsequently, the tenant proceeded to schedule the RRB hearing.
RRB Meeting (October 24, 2023)
This case went before the RRB on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Joel Stewart, tenant, provided photos of his unit (Attachment B).
Board Members asked questions of Joel Stewart, tenant, and Sherry Ramirez, Greystar Management Representative. The Board requested that Greystar consider and address the following requests and report back to the Board at a future meeting:
• Waive the $400 balance on the tenant’s account
• Create a multi-year agreement with anticipated rent increases
• Address and inspect the roof repair immediately
• Assess unit for mold, and if it exists, locate the source, then remediate and paint as needed
• Inspect original windows for function and lead-based paint
• Look at slurry sealing and patch repairs, as needed
• Investigate any trip and fall hazards
• Identify who the current key holder is
• Consider options for outreach to residents, such as a call center
• Have a discussion with the tenant regarding the debits and credits on the ledger
• Offer discounts to tenant as a sign of good faith
The RRB also asked staff to research and provide answers to the following questions:
• What have the allowable rent increased been under AB 1482 in recent years?
• Under state law, what are the requirements for an on-site manager for a building of at least 16 units?
• Are landlords required to provide specific compensation to tenants who vacate a unit while repair work occurs?
Staff will provide answers to these questions during the meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: ATT A_RRB Hearing Packet Case 2023-01 (1055 Cecelia Ct.)
Attachment B: ATT B_Tenant Photos (1055 Cecelia Ct.)
PREPARED BY: Kimberly Anderson, Housing Specialist II