LA City Resident Manager Rent Increase (appointed, apartment, rental market)

[FZ-TOOTH]

I have been a resident-manager in a 12 unit apartment dwelling in LA City for over 20 years. I was a paying tenant before being appointed manager. I live rent-free and receive minimal monthly compensation for various services I perform.

The building owner is now asking that I pay rent. He claims that he has the right to charge me a rate equal to that of a comparable unit in the building. He even has stated that if I object he has the right to evict me and replace me with another manager.

Can anybody enlighten me as to the law regarding this situation?

Thanks so much.

[CALGUY]

It all depends on what is in your contract with the owner.
If you don't have a written contract, the owner can do as he pleases, with some limitations, regarding your situation, including letting you go (with a thirty day notice) and replacing you with a new manager.
There are various ways he can take posession of your unit, and one of them is, he can say it is going to be taken over by a family member, it is going to be remodeled, or he could take it off the rental market.
One more point, if the building is under rent control, and being a twelve unit building, I would say it is, he can't raise your rent more than 4% a year.
There is an old saying, and it apppears it is barking at your doorstep, that being, "nothing last forever".
You have been there for a considerable time, and now change is about to happen.
My advice would be to be prepared, and make the best of the situation.
Bob.

[FZ-TOOTH]

As I had thought. Thanks for the heads-up!!