This message from Phat Tran acknowledges that the tenants have leased the property for three years and that no rent increase occurred during that time. He asserts that “normally the rent should increase 3% yearly based on CPI” and that the market now warrants a 6% increase “because of inflation.” This admission contrasts sharply with later court testimony where the owner claimed the tenancy lasted only one month.
By admitting to three years of occupancy, Phat Tran’s statement validates that the household’s tenancy was protected under AB 1482. His claim of never raising rent—while later asserting entitlement to “back rent boost”—demonstrates retroactive rent inflation, a tactic expressly prohibited by California Civil Code § 1947.12. The same message evidences financial strain, revealing motive for coercive renewal actions and misrepresentation of tenancy duration in court filings.