Blessing

City: 
Walnut Creek
Residence Type: 
20 or more units
Landlord Type: 
Private Landlord -- No Rent Control
Organization: 
Ms.

I received a Notice of Landlord's Intent Not to Renew Lease, stating a rent increase per month to 2100, over my current rent for a large studio of 1434. I received a second notice 12-16-14, Notice of Resident(s) Intent to Vacate. Reason for Moving stated as "Management Decision." Another section on the page is Notice of Right to Initial Inspection. They asked me to sign and return by 12/19. This feels intimidating and I need counsel. I am concerned that "Management Decision" indicates that I was somehow at fault for their non-renewal. I spoke with the after-hours staff about the notice, and she said that this is what they are giving all tenants in all apartments as they will be doing new construction to install washers and dryers. She said not to take it personally. Another tenant has had the same experience, but was given an option to stay 8 months. My lease is up February 5, so I have a month and a half to find a new place. I am a senior with a few unseen disabilities, one of leads to fatigue. I've been told that waiting lists for senior housing can take up to one to two years. So, I need to move to a regular apartment, and hope the lease arrangement works out, so that I can take an available senior apartment. I need housing that is income-dependent, so that if my income drops, the rent will adjust. I do not feel there are grounds for non-renewal of lease. Also, I question the legality of raising the rent 700 a month. Rent control is sorely needed everywhere in the Bay Area. I am a good renter. I pay my rent on time, keep my place clean and orderly, am courteous with other renters and with management. One problem has been sensitivity to a neighbor's cigarette/cigar smoke. There is a no-smoking ordinance now in Walnut Creek, especially in multi-unit dwellings. But, it is hard to enforce. The person smoking, denies it, so I have been asked to move "for my health." This seems discriminatory and unfair.

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