Proposed rule would define rent control tenants as “human beings” to oust corporations

Any landlord leasing a rent-controlled apartment to a corporation without first getting a removal permit from the Rent Control Board is running afoul of the law, according to the Board’s top lawyer, J. Stephen Lewis. The assertion comes as the Board attempts to clarify its own rules in order to deter the practice in Santa Monica.

The issue came to light in June after a rent-controlled building at 1238 and 1242 Tenth Street began advertising apartments on corporate rental websites. A leasing agreement obtained by the Daily Press included a “corporate application for rental form” and an addendum to rent “by the suite.” At the time, the Board’s Executive Director said the addendum sounded problematic but there was nothing illegal about leasing a rent-controlled apartment to a corporation.

On Wednesday, Lewis sought to clarify rules for all landlords who may have corporate tenants.

Read More: http://www.smdp.com/proposed-rule-would-define-rent-control-tenants-as-human-beings-to-oust-corporations/168393