rent control (Santa Monica: rental, lawyer, home)

[xzyan]

I am on ocean park and 11 th too, let me know what happen and how did you get your landlord to accept ?.. Thanks

[katenik]

this is really unethical. we renters scream bloody murder when landlords try to screw us, but seek advice on how best to screw them? how is this right?

[DontH8Me]

it is the leech mentality of the sponges who suck the blood of people who work for a living. People like this will never own their own, and is another prime reason why rent control is nothing but a way to fleece Joe America. I'm glad it doesn't exist where I live.

[mommabear2]

I am a landlord and own a duplex in a rent controlled area of L.A. I have the right to raise the rent up to 7% every year because I pay the utilities. I make it very clear from the beginning, if my expenses go up, your rent goes up 7%. I haven't had to raise the rent because my renters respect the relationship and the property. I make money off the market and not the rent itself (though the rent pays all of the mortgage). If my renter was stupid enough to say, "hey, what would you give me if I move out?" he would just be shooting himself in the foot. It's stupid to **** off a potential housing reference - landlords can call previous landlords and if a tenant tried to scam them out of money...

Rent control is a blessing and a curse. I know that in the past landlords abused their positions but it does not give current renters the right to screw people. It's classless and trashy. What you are essentially doing is keeping someone from maximizing a profit... that profit could be used to pay for a kids college tuition, clothes, or food for their families. Most people who own rental property are not filthy rich - better off than you probably but not RICH. But I suppose for some people it's easier to sponge off the system than to be decent.

Relocation fees are used if the landlord makes someone move such as an apartment converted into condos.

If I dealt with people trying to screw me then I would sell - which would leave L.A. with one less landlord who treats their tenants well. Luckily, I've been a good judge of character and have rented to people who make enough where they don't need mine too.

Rent control cost people money. I know you probably can't help yourself, but try not to abuse it.

[SandyCo]

Mommabear, do you have an vacancies? I wish more landlords were as fair as you seem to be. Unfortunately, many of us are dealing with management companies who do anything but manage. If we ask for anything extra, we're ignored.

My management company pays the maintenance workers under the table, and treats them very badly. A leak in the apartment above me went unfixed for three days, because the workers never get paid any overtime, and they didn't want to work on Saturday or Sunday.

This does not excuse a tenant who is trying to milk the system, or one who is looking to scam the landlord. Just because some landlords are unscrupulous and uncaring doesn't mean that the tenant has the right to be as well.

[mommabear2]

I have heard that if you go into the residential rental business as an upbeat and trusting person you will become bitter and skeptical after dealing with so many unscrupulous tenants. Why anyone would think that it's okay to ask for money - using their rent controlled apartment as leverage - in exchange for leaving the unit is beyond me. They received an affordable place to live and yet, that's not enough. They want more. They want money. It amazes me that there are people out there who completely lack a moral compass.

[loveCali]

I completely agree!

Now wait for the answers!....

[xzyan]

mommabear2 you still did not answer the main question how mutch you think we should ask . don't forget this is business, you don't rent to people to let them stay for free or if they lost they job you offer free rent I do not think you have that type of heart. you will be the first landlord to ask some one to leave if you had rent control apt and you know you going to make money out of it . d'ont try to act like you'r one of the angels of landlord. be true to yourself and admit that this is business and you will be the first to offer money if its your apt ... More to come got to go surfing...lol

[SandyCo]

People shouldn't ask for money to move out. If you choose to leave of your own free will, you're on your own. My landlord is a tight-fisted penny pincher, but I would never think of asking him to "buy me out"! I do admit that I would be depressed, though, if I gave notice to move and then a week later received notice that the building was going condo! I'd lose out on the relocation money. But that's legal. It's not extortion, which is what we're really talking about here.

[oldskoul]

For all you that think asking for a move out fee is abuse or whatever are crazy. It is all business if you want to be able to afford to leave some need the help of a fee or else they stay put.

To make it make sense for BOTH parties is a good business deal. Not extortion or anything else.

This is LEGAL and happens all the time. The question was how much is a good amount and how to best go about making a deal.

Put yourself in the landlords shoes, you would want to get the low paying tenants to move but at the same time give them incentive to just move on.

Most of the people in rent control apartments ARE STUCK in them beacuse the rent level is lower than market rent. Believe me MOST rent control apartments are CRUMMY, real crummy. Yes there are exceptions but they are FEW.