Rent reduction provisions apply when a tenant is faced with a significant and prolonged decrease in housing services and amenities provided by the landlord in their lease agreement. Glendale's Rental Rights code outlines specific provisions regarding rent reduction for service reduction, ensuring fairness and transparency for both parties involved. Let's delve into this ordinance and explore what it means for landlords and tenants.
Reduced Services Defined:
Reduced services: Are situations where there is a substantial and extended decline in housing services or amenities initially included in the rental agreement and provided to the tenant as part of the rental unit.
Examples of reduced services may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Reduction of essential utilities (e.g., water, heat, electricity).
Decreased maintenance or repair services.
Closure or significant reduction of common area amenities (e.g., fitness facilities, laundry facilities, community spaces).
Loss or reduction of parking availability.
Reduction of security services.
Other services that were explicitly stated in the rental agreement.
Conditions for Rent Decrease:
Tenant's Right: If a tenant experiences a significant and prolonged reduction in services as defined in the ordinance, they may be entitled to a rent decrease.
Notice Requirement: The tenant must provide written notice to the landlord regarding the service reduction. The landlord is then given a reasonable timeframe to address the issue. If the matter remains unresolved within this timeframe, the tenant may proceed to request a rent decrease.
Determining the Rent Decrease:
Calculation Method: The amount of the rent decrease is determined based on the extent and duration of the reduced services. It's proportionate to the reduction in services and calculated according to market best practices. This may be calculated as a two to ten percent of the total monthly rent based on the type of amenity as compared to other units when considering the valuation of such amenities in establishing rent.
Negotiation Process: Both parties engage in good faith negotiations, considering factors such as the significance of the amenity in relation to the overall property value, market value of similar units without the amenity, and any documented costs or savings resulting from the removal.
Key Considerations for Landlords:
Promptly address tenant concerns regarding service reductions to avoid potential rent decrease disputes.
Engage in transparent and collaborative negotiations with tenants to reach a fair resolution regarding rent adjustments.
Key Considerations for Tenants:
Provide clear and timely written notice to the landlord regarding any significant and prolonged reduction in housing services and amenities.
Be prepared to engage in constructive negotiations with the landlord regarding the amount of rent decrease based on the impact of the service reduction.
Understanding the provisions of rent reduction for service reduction is essential for both landlords and tenants to navigate potential disputes effectively. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in Glendale's Rental Rights code and engaging in open communication and negotiation, both parties can work towards a fair and mutually beneficial resolution.
Exemptions
While the Just Cause for Eviction ordinance applies to most rental units, there are exemptions to be aware of, including:
Rental units located on parcels with two or fewer dwelling units.
Single Family Homes
Condominiums and Townhouses
Rooms or accommodations in hotels rented for less than 30 days.
Other limited circumstances.
The information provided on this website is not intended to be legal advice. It is recommended to consult an attorney and conduct thorough research before taking any action related to tenancy matters.
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