What kinds of rent increases can be disputed in rent control properties?
The rent for existing tenants can never be raised more than once a year, regardless of the amount of increase, unless the affected tenants voluntarily agree to the increase. An annual increase of 5%, or 70% of the applicable C.P.I., is presumed valid, and is not subject to being disputed. A landlord seeking to institute an annual increase rent beyond the 5% level must justify the increase under the "pass-through" formulas, if the tenants file a challenge with the Dispute Resolution Program. These pass-through formulas are the only justifications for annual increases beyond the 5% limit, unless there has been no increase for the last two years. In that situation, the landlord is permitted to institute a 10% increase without dispute.

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1. What services are available through the Rental Dispute Program?
2. What kinds of rental disputes are subject to the mediation and arbitration procedures; what kinds of disputes are not covered?
3. Is there any charge for any of the program services?
4. Which rental properties are subject to rent control?
5. What kinds of rent increases can be disputed in rent control properties?
6. What are the "pass-through" formulas ?
7. What are the applicable twelve month periods used to calculate pass-through formulas?
8. What are the applicable twelve month periods used to calculate pass-through formulas?
9. When calculating the pass-through formula for increased operation costs, what is the difference between operating expenses, capital improvements and rehabilitation expenses?
10. What information must be included in a notice of rent increase?
11. How many tenants must join in a rental increase case, and how can I find out how many other tenants received a notice of rent increase?
12. What rental amount does a tenant pay while a case is pending over a rental increase?
13. What is a "service reduction" case?
14. Are tenants protected against retaliation?
15. How do I get more information?