seismic retrofit – Renters Alliance

RSO Commission Recommends a ‘Seismic’ Pass-Through to Tenants

August 10, 2022July 5, 2024 Mark Elliot pass-through, seismic retrofit

The Beverly Hills Rent Stabilization Commission has tentatively agreed that tenants should pay for seismic retrofit as a surcharge on top of the rent — an additional $62.50 to $125 monthly per household, according to city staff projections, and that surcharge would be in place for a period of ten years. If City Council agrees, then that pass-through would represent a significant increase in the cost of rent for many households. West Hollywood and Santa Monica think landlords can afford to reinforce their apartment buildings without a pass-through. Why not in Beverly Hills?

News

Seismic Retrofit Cost Back on the Rent Stabilization Agenda! [Updated]

August 4, 2018June 22, 2019 Mark Elliot pass-through, seismic retrofit, urgency ordinance

City Council at the July 24th August 7th study session will continue a long discussion about how to fix structural deficiencies in about 300 residential ‘soft-story’ wood frame buildings (where the building overhangs outside parking). These buildings comprise nearly a quarter of the city’s rental housing stock. And they provide most of the city’s relatively-affordable housing. So the issue of cost looms large in the discussion. Should renting households help with “cost recovery” by paying half of the cost?

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