Beverly Hills 90210 Rent Control?

[BHAussie]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

G'day

For residential apartment rentals, previously in a fixed term 1yr lease contract, that is now a month-to-month indefinite non-written agreement, where the rent was increased in writing (no-lease term, just increase) after the 1yr, I was told in conversation by an ex-landlord, that the rent cannot be more than what the other current apartments in the building are renting e.g. if the most expensive unit in the building Apt 'B' is leased for $2k/m then any increased rent for Apt 'A' cannot be more than Apt 'B'. Is this correct?

If so, would it matter when this situation occurred e.g. if the rent increased after one year in Apt 'A' happened to be at the same current maximum for Apt 'B', then the Apt 'B' was reduced subsequently due to tenant moving out and new leasing, can Apt 'A' then have its rent reduced also to this new maximum?

Also what remedies would then be applicable? (I've read 3 times the difference for the period of over-charging - who would provide the evidence of how long this has been the case or is it the rent board/tribunal/judge's request to the landlord for the information?)

Appreciate the info!

CheersWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[HuAi]

Rent control is administered at a local level. Nobody outside of Beverly Hills will be able to tell you how your city's regulations work. Give a call to city hall and ask to speak with the housing authority.

Although nothing is impossible, the rule your friend described sounds very odd. If you cannot increase the rent of unit A beyond the most expensive unit B, then how did unit B become the most expensive in the first place? There is likely more to the regulation than what your friend explained to you.

The lease you signed is binding on you at the agreed rental amount for the term of the lease. If you're month to month that gives you more leverage over the landlord. Approach him and say, "I understand the market is down right now, unit B is renting for $X. I am in an identical unit A paying $Y. I believe I can find a better deal elsewhere, and I plan to move out at the end of next month if you can't cut me a better deal. If you give me B's rate, I'll sign for a full year." Do your research and show an ad for a better price for similar unit from another complex. If Landlord calls your bluff, be ready to move.

 

[BHAussie]

Approach him and say, "I understand the market is down right now, unit B is renting for $X. I am in an identical unit A paying $Y. I believe I can find a better deal elsewhere, and I plan to move out at the end of next month if you can't cut me a better deal. If you give me B's rate, I'll sign for a full year."

Thanks very much for your reply - the excerpt above is basically what I've said and he's a nice guy and very agreeable too. Just signing on an extra year is something not particularly interested in right now, but that's not pertinent.

Cheers