Text Message – Rent Hike Without Legal Notice

Summary

This text message from the property manager states that market rent has increased to $5,500–$5,800 per month and that the renewal rent rate would be $5,350/month effective May 1, 2024. The message was received fewer than five days before the stated effective date, providing no lawful advance notice as required under California tenant protection law.

Legal Context

• California Civil Code §827(b) requires 30 days' written notice for rent increases under 10% and 90 days' notice for rent increases exceeding 10% within a 12-month period.
• The landlord’s message attempted to implement a new contract and rate with only days’ notice, violating statutory requirements.
• The new rate was also communicated by text, not via formal written or registered mail notice, making it procedurally invalid under state law.

Evidence Value

This exhibit establishes that the owner and property manager initiated a rent increase and new contract without legally sufficient notice or consent. The timestamped image supports the timeline that the notice occurred less than two weeks before the proposed May 1 effective date, evidencing unlawful notice under both the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and Civil Code §827(b).

Implications

By issuing this increase and new contract without the statutory notice period, the landlord and agent committed a violation of California’s rent control and tenant protection laws. This text further supports claims of retaliatory conduct and bad faith negotiation immediately preceding the fraudulent lease filings in May 2024.