rent control

Apache is functioning normally

Elizabeth Hirschhorn, the Brentwood tenant who did not pay rent for her luxury Airbnb rental for 570 days, moved out of the unit on Friday.

The move was exactly one month after The Times chronicled Hirschhorn’s contentious tenancy, which began with a cordial stay on Airbnb and ended with her and Sascha Jovanovic, the landlord and property owner, suing each other.

“I’m a little overwhelmed, but I finally have my home back,” Jovanovic said. “I had such a peaceful weekend once she left.”

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During her stay, which began in September 2021, Hirschhorn said that the lease was extended off Airbnb and that the unit was subject to the Rent Control Ordinance, so Jovanovic would have to evict her if he wanted her to leave. She also argued that she didn’t have to pay rent since Jovanovic never obtained an occupancy license for the guesthouse.

Jovanovic, who lives on the property, was at the home on Friday being interviewed for a documentary detailing the battle between him and Hirschhorn when he saw three men, who turned out to be movers, walk into the guesthouse.

He said he asked why they were there, and they didn’t clearly say why. He suspected she could be moving out but feared it also could be a home invasion, so he called the police.

The police arrived, and once all of Hirschhorn’s belongings were packed, they escorted her off the property, Jovanovic said.

Jovanovic and his attorney, Sebastian Rucci, knocked on the door to confirm she was gone and then entered the guesthouse and found it empty. Within an hour, a locksmith arrived and changed the locks.

As of now, it’s unclear whether Hirschhorn moved out permanently, or if she’s planning to return to the property.

Jovanovic and Rucci said they hadn’t heard anything from either Hirschhorn or her legal team, so they assumed she had moved out for good. On Saturday, Rucci emailed Hirschhorn’s attorney, Amanda Seward, to figure out the next steps regarding Jovanovic’s eviction lawsuit against Hirschhorn.

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“My review of the case law is that once a tenant abandons the unit, the unlawful detainer is dismissed. If you wish, I can file the dismissal, or we can file a joint dismissal,” Rucci wrote.

Seward replied that they “may have jumped the gun,” according to the email exchange reviewed by The Times.

“Ms. Hirschhorn had discussed with me concern over the constant harassment and surveillance, and also the desire to get the things repaired that needed to be repaired. Subject to my discussions with Ms. Hirschhorn, please be advised that you have no authority to change the locks or to assume abandonment of the unit,” Seward wrote. “Further, you have violated the law by entering without permission and changing the locks.”

Neither Hirschhorn nor Seward immediately responded to a request for comment.

Rucci said he’s planning to drop the unlawful detainer lawsuit, assuming Hirschhorn has moved out for good. But he’ll still pursue damages in a separate lawsuit, since he claims Hirschhorn owes roughly $58,000 in unpaid rent. Hirschhorn said she owes nothing since Jovanovic never had a license to rent the unit, and her lawsuit accuses him of multiple forms of harassment and intimidation in attempts to get her to leave the place, which Jovanovic has denied.

Hirchhorn’s tenancy became a viral story in the days and weeks after The Times chronicled the saga. News vans posted up outside the home, and paparazzi followed Hirschhorn whenever she left.

“Drones were flying above my house every day. It was crazy,” Jovanovic said.

Now, he plans to address the mold damage in the unit, which was an issue during Hirschhorn’s stay that eventually soured their relationship. He also plans to get the necessary permits from the city, which was another issue; Jovanovic never obtained a license to rent the unit, and Hirschhorn argued in court that he wasn’t allowed to charge rent on a unit he didn’t have a license for.

After that, he plans to turn the space into a recreation room for his two adolescent children.

“We need to get the bad energy out and turn it back into a happy, family space,” he said.

Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

The housing market in Boise is always evolving. As of the latest data, the Boise housing market presents a somewhat competitive landscape for prospective homebuyers, with houses receiving an average of two offers and being sold in around 21 days. This pace underscores a brisk but not frenetic market, allowing buyers some breathing room to make the right decisions at the right time.

The Boise housing market at a glance

A key indicator of market health, the median sale price of a home in Boise stands at $515,000, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.0%. This gentle price ascent reflects a market that is growing steadily, avoiding the pitfalls of sudden spikes or declines that can lead to instability.

Even more telling is the median sale price per square foot, which has seen a slight decrease of 3.8% since last year, possibly pointing to larger homes entering the market or a shift in the types of properties being sold.

The volume of sales tells a more nuanced story. In 2023, Boise saw 227 homes sold, a decrease of 19.8% compared to the previous year. This drop could reflect a variety of factors, including a potential shortage of inventory or a change in buyer sentiment. Nevertheless, the median days on market — a metric indicating how long homes are listed before a sale is agreed upon — has dropped from 34 to 21 days year-over-year, revealing that while fewer homes are being sold, those that are listed are moving quickly.

Competition in Boise’s housing market

Boise’s real estate market competitiveness is further clarified by the Redfin Compete Score™, which rates areas on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the most competitive. Boise scores a 61, illustrating a market where homes often receive multiple offers but typically sell for about 1% below the listing price. Homes categorized as “hot” may sell for around the list price and go under contract in as few as 5 days, showcasing the desirability of certain listings.

Furthermore, the sale-to-list price ratio in Boise is 99.1%, up 1.2 points from the previous year, indicating that homes are selling close to their asking prices, a sign of a healthy market where there is a good balance between buyer demand and seller pricing.

Investing in Boise real estate

For those considering Boise as their next home or investment, these figures paint a picture of a market that is competitive but not overheated. The city’s real estate market is managing to keep pace with demand without succumbing to the volatility seen in other regions. This suggests a sustainable growth trajectory for Boise’s housing sector, making it an equally attractive proposition for buyers and investors.

Find a beautiful house in Boise

The Boise housing market is characterized by a stable yet competitive atmosphere, with homes selling relatively quickly and for near asking prices. While the number of homes sold has seen a downturn, the overall health of the market remains robust, reflected in the consistent sale prices and the competitive nature of listings. As Boise continues to attract attention for its quality of life and economic opportunities, its housing market is poised to maintain its steady course.

Renting in Boise

Turning our attention to the rental market in Boise, it also reflects the city’s broader economic trends and the influences affecting the housing market.

Rental markets in cities like Boise are typically influenced by several factors including the availability of housing, population growth and economic conditions. As home prices rise modestly, it can signal a corresponding shift in the rental market. Potential homebuyers who are priced out of purchasing may turn to renting, which can increase demand for rental properties and, subsequently, rental prices.

Average rent in Boise

In markets characterized by a competitive housing environment with rapid sales and close-to-list prices, rental properties often see high occupancy rates. Landlords and property managers may have the leverage to ask for higher rents, especially if the local economy is strong and the population is growing, which seems to be the case with Boise.

How the housing market affects the rental market

Additionally, when home sales decrease, as noted with the 19.8% year-over-year drop in Boise home sales, the rental market might absorb those who are waiting for the right time to buy or who prefer the flexibility that renting offers. This can lead to a decrease in rental vacancies, further pushing up rental prices.

However, it’s important to note that rental prices are also subject to regulatory changes, like rent control laws and the development of new rental properties, which can increase supply and potentially stabilize or lower rents.

Apartment rent ranges in Boise

  • $501 – $700: 1%
  • $701 – $1,000: 4%
  • $1,001 – $1,500: 29%
  • $1,501 – $2,100: 35%
  • $2,101+: 30%

Considering these factors, those looking to move to Boise should be aware of the potential for a competitive rental market. Prospective renters may face quick turnaround times on rental listings and should be prepared for a possibly dynamic pricing environment. Like the housing market, the rental market in Boise is likely to be resilient, reflecting the city’s economic stability and appeal as a growing urban center in Idaho.

Find the best spot for you in Boise

Those considering Boise as their home should weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying in a market that is robust and thriving, with both sectors offering opportunities and challenges that reflect the city’s desirability as a place to live and work.

If you’re ready to settle down in Boise, find your home in just a few clicks with Rent.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Can you negotiate rent? The short answer is yes. After all, you never get anything unless you ask for it.

So, how do you go about negotiating rent? Rental negotiations can be tricky, so it’s always in your best interest to be strategic when talking to landlords. Here are different ways to negotiate rent, gain bargaining power, take action and (hopefully) get a lower rent from your property manager.

1. Understand the rental market

The first step in negotiating rent is to do your research ahead of time. Look around and understand what surrounding apartment rates are. Compare apples to apples. If you’re interested in a new development, then look at other new developments.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the amenities that are available and how they compare to the unit you’re considering. For example, if one neighboring apartment complex offers covered parking, a gym and a pool, you’ll want to compare that to an apartment complex with similar offerings. After all, those amenities increase the price of rent. Make this info known to your property manager.

Rental rates are not a secret, but they can change from day to day. Get a competing rate in writing if you can, and if it’s lower than the one being offered, have it with you when you go to negotiate. A lower rate in a similar apartment is a great tool for negotiating a lower price on your own apartment.

2. Consider the time of year

For property managers, timing is everything and there are seasonal trends in the moving and rental industry. In other words, think about the broader supply and demand trends during any given season.

If it’s the end of the month, vacancies are high and you’d be willing to leave if you don’t get what you want, that could be a time when a manager is more likely to be amenable to your offer. However, if you don’t have an alternate place to move ahead of time, you may not want to start negotiating rent until something else is lined up.

As a rule of thumb, winter is usually a good moment to broach the topic of cheaper rent, as it’s harder to find tenants during that time of year. Summer is peak rental season, so you’ll need to be a little more persuasive if you’re trying to negotiate rent during the peak moving season.

3. Sell yourself as a good tenant

Looking for another lesson on how to negotiate rent? If you’ve never rented in that particular complex a few letters of recommendation from personal references will go a long way toward convincing a manager you’d be a tenant worth having, even at a lower rate.

Think of it as a resume for your living situation. Get a letter from previous landlords or apartment managers that says you make on-time rent payments and cause them no problems. Get letters that speak to your character from a former boss, neighbor, or someone in a non-profit organization or church. Just like in a job interview, these professional references can help you negotiate rent and sell yourself as a good tenant for your potential new landlord.

If you’re trying to renew your existing lease at a better rate, remind the manager that you’ve always paid your rent on time and anything else that’s positive. Have you kindly alerted them to maintenance concerns? Have you helped in an emergency? Have you assisted during holiday parties? These situations can go a long way and help you lower the cost of rent on your upcoming lease.

4. Exchange value for price

What’s a lower rent price worth to you? Would you consider doing something above and beyond paying rent that offers tangible value to your property manager?

Think of jobs or tasks around the property — maintenance, cleaning, administrative, marketing — that would increase the underlying value of the owner or manager’s investment. Helping with some of these activities could cut down on expenses and thus, justify the price reduction you’re looking for.

Another “how to” negotiate your rent tip is to bargain with amenities and other things of value. Are you willing to give up your parking space to reduce rent each month? Or, can you pay six months of rent upfront or in cash? Would you be willing to sign a longer lease at a lower rate?

Think like a manager. Everything has a value and most everything is fair game to negotiate or trade with. Don’t be afraid to ask what your manager needs. If he or she has flexibility in pricing (and they usually do), then you might be able to help each other.

5. Experiment with the lease terms

Offering a different move-out date, extending your lease term or reworking the end of your lease term to fall during high season (spring or summer) are some of the ways you may be able to play with lease dates and terms that might be attractive to a leasing manager.

Get your negotiation in writing

As with many things in life, you can ask for and negotiate anything — including rent. If you’re a good tenant, can be persuasive and ask for what you want and need, you can negotiate the terms of your lease and rent prices and walk away with a lower rental rate.

After you’ve worked out a reduced rate with your landlord, make sure you get the new deal in writing so you have a paper trail and proof of your newly negotiated rate.

FAQs around rent negotiations

Rent negotiations are tricky and require a wealth of knowledge and understanding.

How can I negotiate rent for a rent-controlled apartment?

Negotiating rent for a rent-controlled apartment is different. In these cases, research local rent control laws and regulations to understand your rights and limitations. While you may not have as much room for negotiation on the base rent, you can explore negotiations on other aspects, like utilities or improvements.

How can I negotiate rent if I have a low credit score or a poor rental history?

If you have a low credit score or a poor rental history, you can still negotiate rent. Tips to overcome this include offering to pay a larger security deposit, providing a co-signer or demonstrating your commitment to improving your credit and rental history. This can help build trust with the landlord and potentially secure a lower rate.

What if my landlord refuses to negotiate the rent?

If your landlord is unwilling to negotiate the rent, consider proposing alternative terms, such as a longer lease or prepayment of rent. If negotiations remain unsuccessful, you may need to decide whether you’re willing to accept the current rent or look for another rental property.

Can you negotiate rent? It’s worth a shot!

Negotiating rent is not only possible but also a valuable skill for renters. By following these steps, you can strategically and effectively negotiate your rent with confidence. Understanding the rental market, considering the timing of your negotiation and presenting yourself as a desirable tenant are essential elements in the process. Remember, communication is key in this process, and being prepared, courteous and persistent can lead to a mutually beneficial agreement with your landlord.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’ve been living in the U.S. these past few years, you know that rental rates have skyrocketed. Because of this, many renters cannot avoid spending more than the recommended 30% of their gross monthly income. This makes it all the more aggravating to find out your monthly rent has been raised by your landlord before your contract is up.

Raising rent can make sense in certain cases such as the market value going up. However, in other circumstances, a rent increase may be unnecessary or downright illegal.

It’s important to be educated on what can and can’t be done when it comes to your lease. Here is what you should know about your tenant rights and what you can do about it.

Can your landlord raise the rent?

The short answer to whether or not your landlord can raise your rent is yes and no. The city you live in, rent control laws and your lease will determine if it is legal or not. These are the circumstances when your landlord can and can not raise the rent.

Month-to-month leases

If you signed a month-to-month lease, landlords are within their rights to raise the rent at the end of each month. Similar to a 12-month lease, a monthly lease is still a binding contract. So your landlord would still be required to give you advance notice (generally about 30 days) and can only raise the rent at the end of the month.

Year-long leases

Typically, rent increases occur when your lease is up. So if you signed a year-long lease and your landlord tried to raise the rent six months in, that is not acceptable. Rent increases are only legal once the 12-month lease has finished.

The terms and conditions of your rent should all be laid out clearly in the rental agreement you sign at the beginning of your tenancy. Unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement, yearly and monthly rent increases are only allowed under the above conditions. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly read through and understand your rental agreement.

Keep in mind that a rent increase can also impact your security deposit. Since the rent is now higher, you may have to up the amount of the deposit as well.

Adequate notice

There are some circumstances under which your landlord legally cannot raise your rent. The first is without providing adequate notice. This is generally is about 30 days ahead of the proposed increase. It’s also illegal for a landlord to increase rent for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for previous conflicts.

Discrimination

If you believe the rent increase is in response to a past conflict you had with the landlord or because they are discriminating against you based on your race, gender, sexual orientation or other reason, those are grounds to possibly have the increase overturned.

What to do if your landlord raises your rent

Receiving a rent increase is jarring and upsetting for anyone, especially since rent is already inflated. Finding out you may have to pay more or move is bound to trigger some strong emotions.

But you’re not without recourse and options for how to handle the situation. If you receive a rent increase notice and are unsure what to do, there are a few steps you can take.

1. Know your city’s laws

Renter’s rights can vary widely at both city and state levels. What’s legal in one city in your state isn’t always legal for other cities you may live in. This is why it’s crucial that, if you learn of a rent increase, you check your local laws.

This can pertain to whether the timing of the notice is legal, or if the increased amount is legal. Some states or cities don’t have set or maximum amounts for rent increases, leaving it up to the landlord’s discretion. So if there are no laws that set a cap or limit, your landlord can hike up the rent as much as they see fit.

2. Get it in writing

In most states, it’s required that any rent increase notice be served to the tenant in written form. This could be as a letter or email. If your landlord verbally told you they will raise the rent, that is not legal. If your landlord is trying to raise your rent and doesn’t provide written proof, that’s evidence you may use in case the situation goes to court.

3. Double-check your lease

Read through your lease to make sure that the rent increase notice is legal. This includes checking that the notice arrives in an appropriate time frame and adheres to any other relevant clauses.

4. Report any illegal actions to the proper authorities

If you determine that the rent increase is unlawful for whatever reason, you should report your landlord to the respective authorities in your area. This could be a local government agency or department related to housing or a housing and tenants’ rights advocacy group. They can point you in the right direction.

5. Speak with your landlord

Assuming the rent increase is legal, you still may not want to pay it. Maybe you are unable to afford the new proposed amount. Maybe you feel that based on your good rental history in that unit, it’s unnecessary or unjustified. Whatever the reason, you can try to negotiate with your landlord. You can do this in two ways.

The first would be to send them a rent negotiation letter. In the letter, you should describe in clear terms why you can’t or don’t think you should pay the increase.

You can detail your financial situation, or make reference to your rental history. Have you always paid the rent on time and in full? Are you a model tenant? Highlight those reasons the landlord will want to keep you on as a renter.

You can also arrange a meeting or call your landlord to negotiate the rent increase. When doing this, make the same points as you would in a negotiation letter but are able to have a straightforward conversation.

6. Organize with the other tenants

If all other attempts to negotiate with your landlord have failed, you may find strength in numbers. Check with the other tenants in your building to see if they are OK with the rent increase.

Collective action is a powerful tool. If the majority of the building opposes the rent increase and the landlord moves forward, they could be facing multiple people moving out at the same time. This gives them more work to suddenly try to fill the empty units. Having reliable, trustworthy tenants makes their job easier. This incentivizes them to work in good faith with the tenants they have.

7. Pay the increased amount

Unfortunately, if your landlord won’t budge and they are within their rights then you will have to pay the increased rent or find a new apartment to rent.

Getting a rent increase notice isn’t the be-all, end-all

Unless you live in a city with rent control, occasionally dealing with rent increases is, unfortunately, a necessary part of a renter’s life. Sometimes they can also feel very unfair. But by using the above resources, you can fight or even stop a rent increase.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

For most states, the pipeline for construction of single-family homes specifically designed as rentals is booming. However, not all states are jumping on the trend. Market conditions in 10 states are such that this kind of construction isn’t a priority. In fact, these states are seeing no additional construction of single-family homes for rent, according to reporting at Axios.

On a per-capita basis, Arizona is the state with the most built-for-rent housing in the construction pipeline with 2,011 units planned or under construction per one million inhabitants, according to data from the National Rental Home Council (NRHC). Coming in at a “distant second” is North Carolina with 1,071; while Texas is in third place with 856. The nationwide average sits at 345.

No single family rental construction in 10 states

However, despite data from Zillow that illustrates that to meet the housing supply needs of the nation, the United States needs 4.3 million more homes, there are 10 states that aren’t constructing built-for-rent housing, the reporting explains. Among them are Oregon, Massachusetts and West Virginia, where there is no built-to-rent construction of single-family homes “ongoing or planned at all,” based on NRHC data.

Why are these states lagging, some of the reticence likely has to do with a lack of favorable market conditions for construction, according to David Howard, NRHC’s CEO.

“Portland and, more broadly, the state of Oregon have many of the kind of drivers that housing developers are looking for when they enter a market,” Howard told Axios. But that enthusiasm could be diminished in a state like Oregon due to its limits on annual rent increases.

Banning rent increases in Oregon

Last month, the state banned rent increases higher than 10% in years of high inflation, and the law went into effect on July 6. The bill was drafted in response to complaints from the state’s renters, as some areas saw increases of as much as 14.7% in 2022.

“The debate highlighted the high rate of rental ownership in the state Capitol, where passive income from owning property makes it possible for lawmakers to afford to be in Salem for months each year on their $35,000 legislative salary,” according to reporting at the Oregon Capital Chronicle. “Portland Rep. Thuy Tran, [also a] landlord, was one of only two Democrats who voted against the measure.”

Measures such as rental increase bans put builders on edge, Howard explained to Axios.

“Say what you will about the legitimacy of various rent control and rent cap regimes […] it’s something that causes developers to pause in their consideration of whether they want to enter a market,” he said. “I think developers have gravitated toward other markets where there perhaps is more certainty.”

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

During the pandemic, the city of L.A. launched a number of tenant protections. Landlords have not been able to raise rents on rent-stabilized units for over three years, and they won’t be able to do so until 2024.

If you’re living in a rent-stabilized apartment, we want to know how the rent freeze has affected you and the decisions you make as a renter.

Please fill out the below form, and you may hear from a Los Angeles Times reporter. If you would prefer to share an anonymous tip, you can do so here.

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Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

During the pandemic, the city of L.A. launched a number of tenant protections. Landlords have not been able to raise rents on rent-stabilized units for more than three years, and they won’t be able to do so until 2024.

If you are a landlord struggling to keep up with costs due to the rent freeze, or if you left the rental market, we want to hear from you.

Please fill out the form below, and you may hear from a Los Angeles Times reporter. If you would prefer to share an anonymous tip, you can do so here.

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Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Will the third time be the charm?

After trying and failing twice before, a coalition of housing advocates led by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation have collected enough signatures to place a measure on the 2024 ballot asking voters to repeal a major restriction on rent control, in effect allowing more cities and counties across the state to cap rents on more types of homes.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office announced Wednesday that the initiative has qualified for the November 2024 ballot after its proponents submitted more than 800,000 signatures and enough were certified as valid.

In a news conference Thursday, backers of the Justice for Renters Initiative said the changes would give Californians living on the edge an ability to hold on to their housing as wages lag behind increases in rent across the state. Supporters said that many people are one rent increase away from homelessness and that the initiative would give cities and counties more tools to prevent tenants from being displaced.

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“Many of our members are the working poor,” said Ada Briceno, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, who noted that her union members are on the picket lines right now for the same reasons that the ballot initiative is necessary.

“They live paycheck to paycheck. They’re couch surfing. They’re living in their cars and struggling to pay rent,” she said. “Many of them have been pushed out of their communities and now have long hours of commute.”

Some of the initiative’s supporters include the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and the California Nurses Assn., along with Housing Is a Human Right, the housing advocacy division of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

If the initiative succeeds, it would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, a state law that prohibits rent control from being placed by cities and counties on single-family homes and apartments built after 1995, among other prohibitions. The measure would also specify that the “state may not limit the right of cities and counties to maintain, enact, or expand rent control. However, the state still could set some minimum protections for renters, like the current statewide limit on rent increases,” according to a summary from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, among others, already have limits in place for whether rent can be raised on a yearly basis, if at all. The state has also passed regulations in recent years that limit rent hikes to either 5% plus yearly inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.

Michael Weinstein is president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which is sponsoring a ballot initiative to allow cities to expand rent control.

(Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

In recent years, smaller municipalities have also begun instituting their own rent control ordinances.

In 2018 and 2020, the same groups backed efforts to pass similar ballot measures. In both instances, nearly all of the funding for the initiative came from the Los Angeles nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which put about $60 million into the losing efforts. Both efforts to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act lost by nearly 20 percentage points in 2018 and 2020 after $100-million-plus campaigns in which landlord groups outspent supporters of the initiative by more than 2 to 1.

One of the biggest opponents of the last two efforts was the California Apartment Assn., which is gearing up to oppose this latest proposition as well.

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If this measure passes, “landlords lose any hope of ever charging fair market value for their investment,” Tom Bannon, the association’s chief executive, said this year when supporters began collecting signatures. “There is little incentive to keep the unit on the market, let alone invest in improvements.”

Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and others said this time will be different because the situation is so much more dire.

“Renter protection legislation goes to Sacramento to die, and we have no hope of getting it through the Legislature,” he said. “The main reason why we have a better chance now is that the situation has gotten so extreme. Rates of homelessness are going up. Where are people going to live? The population of California is shrinking, and the California dream is dying.”

Around the time of the first ballot initiative, the foundation — best known as a behemoth in the healthcare industry, with more than $2 billion in annual revenue earned largely from its chain of pharmacies and clinics — began purchasing single-room-occupancy hotels and other apartment complexes in Skid Row and other parts of Los Angeles. Its goal has been to provide homes to low-income residents more quickly, cheaply and humanely than private developers, public agencies and other nonprofits.

Some of these buildings, The Times found, have been plagued by problems, including substandard conditions and faulty elevators, which led several residents to sue. The foundation settled a lawsuit about an elevator at one building for more than $800,000, but other class-action lawsuits alleging overall uninhabitable conditions at two buildings remain pending.

Source: latimes.com