The board highlighted that the landlord on P Avenue is limited to a 4% rent increase due to tenants providing their own heat, which would result in a modest $52 increase based on current rent rates around $1,300. The proposed $1,100 hike far exceeds this legal limit, and board members emphasized that the landlord cannot evict tenants without a legitimate cause and court proceedings. The board assured the tenant of their support and plans to liaise with code enforcement to prevent any unlawful eviction attempts.

Another issue discussed involved the transfer of a previously approved 10% hardship rent increase to new building owners. The board debated whether the increase should be tied to the property or the previous owner. Members recognized that the issue could be argued both ways and concluded that legal advice is necessary to reach a definitive decision. In the meantime, one tenant has already signed a lease incorporating the 10% increase under the new ownership without issue.

The board also addressed concerns about capital improvements potentially leading to rent increases. Tenants in some buildings have noticed upgrades being made, and the board confirmed that any potential rent hikes for such improvements would need to be applied for separately as capital improvements, assessed over the lifespan of the upgrades.