Below is a letter that was sent by Attorney Michael Millman to Anna Ortega of the Los Angeles Housing Department. Dear Anna: I hope that you, your family, staff and others are well, healthy and safe. We’ve known each other for years. The history is undisputed. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance, (RSO), provides that each year,…
Approximately 15 years ago, San Francisco adopted an earthquake retrofit program. Through litigation, it was determined that substantially all of the benefit accrued only to tenants. Tenants were assessed 100% of the costs, amortized over 10 years with a cap of approximately $60 per month. Los Angeles City adopted a similar program wherein the tenants…
So, let’s start at the beginning. Some of the data developed through the apartment industry reflects that many tenants have failed to apply for the “relief programs” available. The computer programming apparently requires an advanced Master’s Degree from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, or MIT! It’s too difficult, complicated, and the system gives rise…
AB 3088 permits owners to proceed to Small Claims Court for the collection of back rent or other rental deficit damages. A Plaintiff may not appeal from a Small Claims Court award, ruling decision or judgment. It seems so simple and safe, right? Be careful. The Trial The Tenant Protection or eviction groups are going…
To the Los Angeles Journal: What’s most disturbing is that the City Council and others passed a “moratorium” which restricts and prevents landlords from imposing the annual, rental-mandated, municipal rent increase. Under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, the tenants’ rent may be lawfully increased each year based upon the Consumer Price Index. There’s a ceiling of…
Dear Friends: Thank you for your articles. Let’s start at the beginning. The overwhelming, vast majority of apartment owners are small family-owned groups. Yes, the true “mom and pop” owners. Elena Popp, who has run the Eviction Network Service for 20 years or longer, was attempting to defend tenants and losing in those jurisdictions wherein…
Dear friends, it may be beneficial to examine the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution: “No person shall … be deprived of life, liberty or property … without due process of law … nor shall private property … be taken …for public use …without just compensation …”
Dear AOA: Today I received my 2020 RSO bill. On the top is reads: “New in 2020: The RSO Fees Per Unit Have Been Increased.” My building is under rent control. This year, I was allowed to raise my rents 4%. My RSO unit fees were INCREASED 18%!! That is crazy. The RSO fee…