Landlord is asking us to pay Alameda County Industry Fee
I've been living in the same townhouse for 5 years now. We first signed a one-year agreement in August 5 years ago, and never signed anything after that. But each August, the landlord would increase $50. In the middle of last year, all of a sudden, the landlord said we need to start paying an ACI (Alameda County Industry fee) of $70, quarterly. We argued that this was never part of our initial contract, and since it was already past August, we should talk again the next year. Recently, she messaged me again saying that we owe her $70 beginning this August. I just messaged her back saying people around me have told me that landlords can raise rent and include those kinds of fees in there. But we already paid rent increased by $50 starting this August. And asked if she has any official documents that indicate the tenants have to pay these kinds of fees. She hasn't messaged me back yet but if she does, I dont really know how to go about the situation. Did I do the right thing? Anyone have any knowledge about this kind of stuff?
Depends. İf you know your rights, go for it. İf you don't then either learn by actually finding the laws, not asking quora style opinions. Or get a lawyer. This isn't a "what do you think I should do about my girlfriend" type of opinion question. İt's a legal question.
I only had it the first year, and every year after that we didnt have a contract we resigned. She would just text me a reminder saying that the rent is up $50.
Did you resign the contract this year? Is the contract valid? If it's not a valid contract it's a take it or leave it. She can ask you to vacate anytime as you're not a legal tenant anymore. Good faith doesn't resolve landlord tenant disputes.
You dont have a contract... you signed a year long lease 5 years ago, once the first agreement expired, you went to month to month, unless your original agreement had an auto renewal clause... So, unless you have a current & active lease, the landlord can increase rent by any amount (assuming no rent control) at any time, if you chose to not pay, you can vacate the premises. WRT to what that increase is meant to pay for, plainly put, it’s none’ya business.
If it were me I’d look at market comparable rental rates and compare to yours. Then negotiate with them, see if you both can do what’s fair.
Since you don’t have a lease, she can ask you to leave with a 30 day notice. This is why it’s so important to sign leases.
Is $23 a month really that much extra on an entire townhouse? That’s like 1% of my rent for a 1 bedroom apt. Barely even noticeable.
I'm guessing you have a very sweet rent from 5 years ago, even with a $200 increase
If it's not in the contract you don't have to pay. I hope you have a rental contract.