communications – Renters Alliance

City Communications Breakdown: It’s Always the Same!

February 12, 2019July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot communications

Last week City Council took a big decision: tenants and landlords will again be a majority on the proposed rent stabilization commission. That is a big deal! The commission will discuss amendments to RSO and later hear appeals from landlords and tenants. Why didn’t we hear about that on the Rent Stabilization Program website? Still posted is the announcement for last week’s Council meeting. Another communications breakdown from City Hall.

Commentary

We Need More From the Rent Stabilization Program

January 21, 2019July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot communications, Community Education Workshops

The rent stabilization websites of West Hollywood and Santa Monica are chock-full of news-you-can-use: tenant-specific workshops, archived tenant newsletters, FAQs on topics like pets and security deposits and more. Each city provides a well-organized overview of the rent laws. Why can’t Beverly Hills better communicate with those who rent here?

Commentary

Establishing Expectations is a Two-Way Street!

June 20, 2018June 22, 2019 Mark Elliot communications, Community Education Workshops, Rent Stabilization Program

City Council kicked-off our extended rent stabilization reform discussion in January of 2017 without much discussion about policy goals. Councilmembers heard plenty from tenants about rising rents, capricious landlords and predatory practices, but no specific objective for rent stabilization was identified. Well the Rent Stabilization Program has found one…but it needs revision!

Commentary

In the Dark: Tenants Go Without a Word from City

November 16, 2017July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot communications, Sonia Berman

It has been ten months since City Council kicked-off the rent stabilization policy process yet next steps remain unclear. Officials have gone to ground since City Council approved the rental unit registry in September (without even a press release to show for it). We hear nothing from City Hall; no staffer provides an update at Council meetings. No official appears on the Beverly Hills This Week TV program to explain what’s next. Many thousands of households rent. Why keep us in the dark?

Explainer

My Landlord is Asking for an Estoppel. Need I Sign It?

July 16, 2024July 29, 2024 Mark Elliot

An estoppel certificate is a legal document that simply establishes the terms and status of a rental agreement (or lease) for a third party like a prospective buyer. Typically a tenant is asked to complete an estoppel when purchase negotiations advance and that request may come from the current owner or an agent working on behalf of a prospective buyer. It is nothing to fear; it is a standard step in the sale of real property. In any case the lease or rental agreement may require the tenant to complete it. When presented with an estoppel to complete and sign you may have questions. Here is what you need to know.

Explainer