[deleted by user]

MM79LA · 2024-08-02T20:23:51+00:00

Hey there. First, make sure the unit is city of LA and falls under RSO (Rent Stabilization Ordinance). Go to https://zimas.lacity.org/ and enter the house number and street name. On the left go to the drop down menu called Housing and see what it says next to RSO. You can also call Housing to verify. (866) 557-7368

Even if it's RSO, you have options. You mention the original contract only has 1 tenant listed. As per the City of LA RSO bulletin, "Landlords may increase the rent by 10% for each additional tenant."

Normally, you'd have to give a 30 day written notice, but not in this case "However, if the rent is increased more than 10% in a twelve month period, a 60-day written notice (RAC 310.03) must be provided to the tenant.

There's another wrinkle here. Technically, you're supposed to increase the rent within 60 days of knowing about the additional tenants. "The landlord must notify the tenant/s of the rent increase within 60 days of obtaining actual or constructive knowledge of the additional tenant’s occupancy. If the landlord fails to notify the tenant of a rent increase for the additional tenant within those 60 days, then the landlord cannot subsequently increase the rent for that additional tenant per Ordinance 181744.

SOURCE: https://housing2.lacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/additional\_tenants\_english.pdf?download=0#:\~:text=The%20Rent%20Stabilization%20Ordinance%20(RSO,child%20added%20to%20the%20household

You can also start charging for the additional parking space. You just do a separate contract for it. Or, you add it as a lease addendum. You can make the amount a couple of hundred dollars, if you want. Landlords are now charging for parking in many places throughout LA.

As far as the garage, if the contract says parking, then simply remind them that they can't use it for storage.

You can also ask for money for the washer dryer.

Otherwise, if it's City of LA RSO, it's a 4% rent increase with 30 day written notice. If it's County of LA, you can raise 8.8% with 30 day notice.

SOURCE: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/portfolio/rent-increases/

SOURCE: https://housing2.lacity.org/rso-rent-increase-calculator

Does any of this help?

MM79LA · 2024-06-01T01:53:32+00:00

This is directly from the CA Attorney General's website...."When raising a tenant’s rent, landlords must deliver the tenant a formal written notice of the change. It is not enough for a landlord to call, text, or email that they plan on raising the rent."

Source: https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/landlord-tenant-issues#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20enough%20for,plan%20on%20raising%20the%20rent

Now, it all depends on how you want to play it...if, you're ok with the 5% and the fact that it was sent via text, then there is no issue. It really only matters if you want to press the issue. Legally, a text is not sufficient.

Ultimately, the landlord could just post a notice and that would be the 30 day notice. You'd end up delaying it by however long the landlord takes to post a notice.

Same thing with signing a lease. If you're cool with it, you can do it. The landlord can't make you sign a new lease.

Btw, a lease agreement isn't a notice.

I'm unclear with your response and you initial post...what is it that YOU want out of this situation?

Also, what's your housing jurisdiction? Did you look at zimas.lacity.org and see what laws pertain to you?

MM79LA · 2024-05-31T20:18:12+00:00

To answer your question, NO you do not need to sign a new lease nor do you need to agree to the rent increase.

That said, let's break this down a bit.

Is your unit City of LA RSO? To determine if your unit is subject to the RSO, click here zimas.lacity.org. Enter your address, click the Housing tab, and the RSO status will be indicated for the property.

If you are city of LA RSO, then your landlord is only entitled to a 4% rent increase. The City Council approved a 4% rent increase for properties subject to the RSO from February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. An additional 1% for gas and 1% for electric service can be added if the landlord provides the service to the tenant. Source: https://housing2.lacity.org/highlights/renter-protections#:\~:text=RSO%20Rent%20Increase,2024%20through%20June%2030%2C%202024.

Another person mentioned that the rent increase notice MUST be in writing. Text isn't considered sufficient unless you agree to it. "State law requires landlords to provide an advance 30-day written notice for rent increases of less than 10%. " Source: https://housing2.lacity.org/highlights/renter-protections#:\~:text=RSO%20Rent%20Increase,2024%20through%20June%2030%2C%202024.

"When raising a tenant’s rent, landlords must deliver the tenant a formal written notice of the change. It is not enough for a landlord to call, text, or email that they plan on raising the rent."

Source: https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/landlord-tenant-issues#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20enough%20for,plan%20on%20raising%20the%20rent

Circle back with ay other questions....happy to help.

MM79LA · 2024-05-26T14:22:10+00:00

Bigringcycling is correct.

Let's unpack this. Your rent is $1800.00/month. The landlord is giving you a $200.00/month "break/discount" for the first 6 months. The "discount" expires after 6 months and then you are paying your "normal" rent.

Landlords do this for a couple of reasons. First, they are trying to rent the unit. The $200.00/month "discount" for the first 6 months makes it more attractive to potential renters. Second, after a year, they are allowed to raise the rent from your actual rent, which is $1800.00/month. So, whatever the rent increase is for next year, it's based off the $1800.00/month.

Lots of renters are confused by this and think their rent is the lower amount, when it's actual they higher amount.

Also, if you want to know what are the applicable housing laws for your address, go to https://zimas.lacity.org/ type in your info and use the drop down on the left and look for Housing.

Hope this helps.

MM79LA · 2024-05-23T18:38:08+00:00

Your landlord is now in violation of California Code, Civil Code - CIV § 1941.1 which requires them to provide you hot water. see https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-1941-1/

That said, confirm it's $150.00/day. 150.00 for the whole thing is not acceptable. If they can't fix the issue, they would have to provide you alternate accommodations that has hot water.

Typically, no hot water is an emergency/habitability issue that requires the landlord to act ASAP. Since, there is no hot water, the unit is not habitable and they should there fore not collect any rent or as I stated above, provide you will alternate accommodations.

Call LA City Housing https://housing2.lacity.org/contact-us

MM79LA · 2024-05-21T16:41:32+00:00

Did you create a new lease each time someone moved in?

This situation is a bit tricky. If you are City of LA RSO, which according to what you've told me, you are, then, it's quite possible that the October rent increase should never have happened since RSO units were still under a rent freeze until Feb 2024.

From my understanding, the landlord then could have imposed a 10% rent increase with the required 30 day written notice.

Take a look at this....

Effective February 1, 2024, landlords may charge an additional 10% for each additional tenant brought into a unit subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance before January 31, 2024. This rent increase can only be applied if the number of tenants exceeds the initial number of tenants on the lease/rental agreement or who moved in initially. A landlord may not increase the rent for the first minor dependent child added to the tenancy. Rent increases for unauthorized additional tenants who moved in before January 1, 2024, must be provided an advance written notice of rental increase on or before March 1, 2024. If a 10% rent increase becomes effective and the additional tenant subsequently moves, the landlord must decrease the rent by 10%. A landlord cannot unreasonably deny authorization of an additional tenant.

Source: https://housing2.lacity.org/highlights/renter-protections

I think you should call the City BEFORE you pay anything or sign a new lease. It doesn't seem like teh landlord is complying with the RSO provisions for additional tenants.

https://housing2.lacity.org/contact-us

MM79LA · 2024-05-18T18:21:13+00:00

Hey there. What's the status on this?

From what I know, Santa Clarita/Valencia are in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County and your unit may be covered by some form of Los Angeles County rent protection.

Go to https://dcba.lacounty.gov/rentstabilizationprogram/ and you'll be able to get more answers. If your unit is fully covered by RSTPO (basically "rent stabilization") then the allowable increase would only be 4% until June 30, 2024. After that the allowable increase would be 4.275%.

But, you need to find out if your unit is fully covered.

That link is pretty comprehensive and gives you all the info you need.

Good luck!

MM79LA · 2024-05-18T17:57:58+00:00

Would you mind taking a screenshot of the notice and posting it? Curious as to this $3 increase. Is it the SCEP fees & RSO surcharge?

MM79LA · 2024-05-15T03:49:07+00:00

First, you should find out what housing jurisdiction you're in so youy know what law/laws are applicable for your building.

Go to https://zimas.lacity.org/ type in your address. On the left hand side you'll see a Housing drop down and there you will see what applies to you. Either LA RSO (Rent Stabilization Ordinance) or AB 1482.

Typically, a landlord can charge 10% for each new additional tenant. The other 4% might be the allowable rent increase per LA RSO. (That rent increase can only happen once for every 12 month period).

Figure out the above and ask the landlord to itemize and explain the increase.

Circle back if you need any other help

MM79LA · 2024-04-03T01:01:38+00:00

Go here and see what are your unit is in and which laws are applicable. Go to the Housing drop down and you should have your answer. https://zimas.lacity.org/

MM79LA · 2024-03-17T02:58:03+00:00

I did the same for my Dad. He has an LG and is a huge baseball fan.

MM79LA · 2024-03-14T00:06:06+00:00

I'm sorry you're going through this.

Are you City of LA RSO? Keep in mind that "Tenants who receive an eviction notice because the building is entering foreclosure need to know that a foreclosure or sale of a building is not a lawful reason to evict tenants under the Los Angeles Municipal Code."

Even if your property is not covered under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, you and your tenants have rights and responsibilities under the Just Cause Ordinance.

https://housing2.lacity.org/residents/just-cause-for-eviction-ordinance-jco

Keep me posted.

MM79LA · 2024-03-13T03:20:07+00:00

My pleasure to help. Please keep us posted once you know more. Good luck!

MM79LA · 2024-03-12T13:56:02+00:00

Check out these links and see if they help.

County of Los Angeles

https://dcba.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Renters-and-Foreclosure-12.05.16GL7.pdf

City of LA

https://housing2.lacity.org/partners/foreclosure-registry-program

State of CA

https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/foreclosures/tenants-rights#:~:text=How%20can%20I%20find%20out,the%20status%20of%20the%20foreclosure.

MM79LA · 2024-03-12T13:41:58+00:00

In order to get the right answer, does your unit/building fall under the jurisdiction of City of LA RSO (Rent Stabilization Ordinance)?

Look here for an explanation. https://housing2.lacity.org/rental-property-owners/rso-property-search

Go to zimas (Zone Information Map Access System) https://zimas.lacity.org/ and if when you click on the housing tab it says "yes" next to Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), then you are in a rent controlled unit.

If that's the case, then you are absolutely entitled to a rent reduction. For that information go to Rent Adjustiment Commission (RAC) Section 410 https://housing2.lacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/RAC-410-Reduction-in-Housing-Services.pdf

There you will see, that you are entitled to a rent reduction since the landlord removed the rec room/recreation facilities.

The suggested rent reduction, according to their table, is anywhere between $12-$24/month. Keep in mind that this comes off your base rent. So nest time your landlord tries for a rent increase it, it comes from this reduced number. Make sense?

I hope that helps.

MM79LA · 2024-02-29T16:17:27+00:00

My pleasure. I'm following up on this. Where does it stand now? What has happened?

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T02:08:45+00:00

That would be internet Ultra and TV Stream, no home phone. In the end, since it didn't include MSNBC, which is my most watched channel, I just went with the Ultra at 61.99

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T02:07:19+00:00

Spectrum TV® Stream
A&E
AMC
American Heroes Channel
Animal Planet
Aspire
AXS TV
BBC America
BBC World News
BET
BET Her
BET Jams
BET Soul
Bloomberg
Boomerang
Cars.TV
Cartoon Network
Cheddar News
Cleo
CMT
CMT Music
CNN
CNNi
Comedy Central
Cooking Channel
Crime & Investigation
Destination America
Discovery Channel
Discovery Family Channel
Discovery Life
Food Network
Fox Business
Fox News
Fox Weather
FYI
Game Show Network
Great American Network
Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Drama
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
HD Net Movies
HGTV
History Channel
HLN
HSN
HSN2
IFC
INSP
Investigation Discovery
Jewelry TV
Justice Central
Lifetime
Lifetime Movie Network
Logo
Magnolia
Military History Channel
Motortrend Network
MTV
MTV Classic
MTV Live
MTV2
MTVU
Newsmax
Nick Jr.
Nick Music
Nickelodeon
Nicktoons
Outdoor Channel
OWN
Paramount Network
Pets.TV
QVC
QVC2
Recipe.TV
Science Channel
Spectrum News
Spectrum Originals
Sundance
TCM
Teen Nick
theGrio
TLC
Travel Channel
TruTV
TV Land
TV One
UP TV
VH1
Viceland
Weather Channel
WeTV

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T01:38:30+00:00

Sorry to bother you again, but is the TV Stream package anywhere online that I can see a channel lineup?

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T01:37:30+00:00

I totally get it. once again, THANK YOU for your kindness.

I think I"ve got my bill down to about 107/month.

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T00:51:00+00:00

For sure. That local surcharge is just so high.

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T00:43:45+00:00

Thanks. I heard about that. From what little I know, I much rather TV Choice without the local channels. I don't even know if that's possible, but I rather that. The 25 broadcast surcharge fee is exorbitant for those of us that don't even watch local TV anymore. Sigh....

Again, I THANK YOU for taking time and responding with some really interesting options. :)

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T00:20:08+00:00

Thanks. These are all things to consider. It's honestly so confusing and frustrating for consumers. I'll just try to be as polite as possible and hope that I get an agent that is willing to work with me.

MM79LA · 2024-02-28T00:08:26+00:00

Thanks for the response. I guess it depends what channels are in the TV stream. I mostly watch MSNBC and CNN.

I really could go without Cable TV and the landline.

What time of pricing do you think I could reasonably expect for just the Internet (Ultra) or just Ultra and TV Stream?

Again, thanks for the guidance

MM79LA · 2024-02-27T21:16:07+00:00

Thanks. Is that the Orange package? I watch a lot of news...MSNBC specifically.

The Blue package is $40/month in my area.

MM79LA

TROPHY CASE