Editor 4/18/21. There is an update to this page at Barratt and Power Property Group Sue Tenant Who Complained
As told to the Los Angeles City government August 2019.
Communications with city employees
Denial of housing services
* The intercom system unit 9 and outside the building is unusable. The intercom needs repair * Unit 9 tenants are still being denied a tandem parking stall
* The back interior stairs remain unstable and need repair as they are dangerous wobble when walking on them
Power Property Management Group Staff PPM staff includes: Brent Parsons, Thomas Khammar, Jackie Gallardo, Jeanette Conway, Alva Corodo, Fidel Medina, Joel Murrillo, Javier Guevarra, Liliano Morales, Edi Hernandez, Justice Walker
March 7, 2019
Complaint Cites Property Owner Lack of Authority to Inspect
Power Property Management Group Trespassers (employees) Caught on Camera
Subject: Revised: Your Unlawful Entry to Premises March 6, 2019 – Harassment by Property Owner and Agents – “There is no ‘right to inspect’ by owner, provided in California law”
From: (tenant name and email redacted)
To: jade@powerpropertygrp.com; highpoint1522@gmail.com; walter.barratt@gmail.com
Cc: cityclerk@lacity.org; adam.lid@lacity.org; info@da.lacounty.gov; ali4servicing@gmail.com; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.cedillo@lacity.org; councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org; hcidla.rso.central@lacity.org; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; councilmember.rodriguez@lacity.org; councilmember.englander@lacity.org; councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org; councilmember.martinez@lacity.org; councilmember.buscaino@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org
Date: Thursday, March 7, 2019, 10:17 PM PST
Power Property Management Group Jade Beck via email
Kasandra Harris, Resident Manager via email
Walter Barratt, owner of Hi Point Apts LLC via email of record
Power Property Management Group Agent for Hi Point Apts LLC
PO Box 472
Culver City, California 90230
Power Property Management Group Staff PPM staff includes: Brent Parsons, Thomas Khammar, Jackie Gallardo, Jeanette Conway, Alva Corodo, Fidel Medina, Joel Murrillo, Javier Guevarra, Liliano Morales, Edi Hernandez, Justice Walker
This email shall memorialize the illegal entry into the unit 9 that occurred yesterday.
1. (name redacted) lacked capacity on March 6 to consent to entry.
2. (name redacted) did not waive any rights under civil code section 1954 or 1950.5 (excerpted below).
3. Tenants unit 9 were never given written notice of the option to request initial inspection. “But equally importantly, your landlord has the affirmative requirement to notify you in writing that you have the right to this Initial Inspection.” As long as you are not being evicted for certain specific reasons found in Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f)(1) or you didn’t explicitly waive your right to the initial inspection in writing, the landlord must notify you and perform an Initial Inspection.You still retain this right even if you are terminating the tenancy early because of uninhabitable conditions under Civil Code Section 1941.1 or your landlord’s breach of the lease The Initial Inspection still must be offered and done within a “reasonable time.”
4. Tenants unit 9 did not request an initial inspection.
5. Unit 9 is under the jurisdiction of the city approved THP application and the Capital Improvements Program decision.
6. I request a written copy of the inspection report from March 6 that was prepared by PPMG, agent for Hi Point Apts LLC.
7. Jade Beck and Williams Real Estate Advisors last inspected unit 9 and the smoke detectors on March 27, 2018. (Such video of the inspection may be posted on the internet.)
8. The owner never gave tenants unit 9 the required 24 hour written notice that an initial inspection would occur March 6.
9. The owner and agents have engaged in false and deceptive business practices, harassment, and neglect.
10. On March 6 workers said they were conducting an initial inspection. Under civil code section 1950.5 it is the tenant’s option to request an initial inspection. If the tenant does not request it, the landlord does not have authority to conduct one; the landlord does not have the authority to “inspect” the unit under the circumstances that occurred March 6. The owner’s workers acted unlawfully.
As a result I request that Jade Beck and Kasandra Harris be terminated from employment. I also request that the two workers in the pictures supplied who also entered the unit today also be terminated from employment.
Even though the two workers/agents were in my unit March 6 at about 1:25 pm, the intercom system still remains unusable and we still have not been assigned a tandem parking stall. Fraud and negligence of Hi Point Apts LLC. Taking rent monies for purposes of criminal fraud.
I attach pictures taken by my roommate and myself. I also have video of the workers in the unit.
At the end of the illegal inspection, video will show that the worker whispered something in my roommate’s ear a little out of sound range; please verify what that conversation was about.
City officials Los Angeles and Culver City are requested to suspend the business license of Hi Point Apts LLC and Power Property management for engaging in false and deceptive business practices.
Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 provides: “An owner or the owner’s agent may enter any dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining single station smoke detectors required by this section. Except in cases of emergency, the owner or owner’s agent shall give the tenants of each such unit, room, or suite reasonable notice in writing of the intention to enter and shall enter only during normal business hours. Twenty four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary.” As provided in CC Section 1954, an owner can enter a rented unit only:
In case of emergency;
To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual
purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors or to make an inspection pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 1950.5;
When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises, or: Pursuant to court order.”
“An owner or the owner’s agent may enter any dwelling unit, efficiency dwelling unit, guest room, and suite owned by the owner for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining single station smoke alarms required by this section. Except in cases of emergency, the owner or owner’s agent shall give the tenants of each such unit, room, or suite reasonable notice in writing of the intention to enter and shall enter only during normal business hours. Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary.
“(B) At the time that a new tenancy is created, the owner shall ensure that smoke alarms are operable. The tenant shall be responsible for notifying the manager or owner if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable smoke alarm within his or her unit. The owner or authorized agent shall correct any reported deficiencies in the smoke alarm and shall not be in violation of this section for a deficient smoke alarm when he or she has not received notice of the deficiency.” HSC § 13113.7
The smoke carbon alarms were inspected March 27, 2018. Tenants unit 9 did not notify owner that such alarms were inoperable. The owner used the word “inspect” in their Notice to Enter. The word “inspect” does not appear in HSC § 13113.7, therefore the Notice to Enter was not authorized.
The Health and Safety code seems to be saying it is the tenants duty to report the inoperable smoke detector, and only upon that report from the tenant will the owner be able to exercise the right to enter to make repairs to the smoke detector, not withstanding if it is a new tenant.
The problem here is the that Notice to Enter Premises of February 27, 2019, even if it was authorized under Health and Safety Code section 13113.7, did not comply with the provisions of CC section 1954, as perviously stated. Thus any entry under those circumstances would be illegal and trespassing, a criminal act reportable to the Police. The Health and Safety code does not give the owner the authority to use inspection of the smoke detector as a ruse to harass tenants and disturb their peaceful enjoyment. The owner and agents must at all times act in a reasonable and good faith manner, and it is not reasonable and good faith to inspect smoke detectors with a ten year battery life that were just inspector about twelve months ago. The alleged smoke alarm inspection did not occur in compliance with CC section 1954.
Rather than disturb this tenant’s peaceful enjoyment, PPMG should have simply examined the maintenance records for the building.
We know that the smoke detectors was not the real reason for the illegal inspection because that is what the employees today said. Standing at the front door, the employee in the picture says that they are just here “for an initial inspection to come make sure everything is working ok.” He will repeat this statement again before he leaves saying the workers are there for a “general inspection”. Video clearly show the worker inspecting sections of the apartment where there is no smoke detector.
“There is no ‘right to inspect’ provided in California law” *
If the owner is selling the building, he needs to give the proper notice.
Your notice states that by written notice “entry may be made during other than normal business hours.” Your notice does not comply with CC section 1954 and represents abuse under CC 1954. You cannot use such notice to enter other than normal business hours.
“Otherwise, it’s trespassing, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, breach of quiet enjoyment, and disorderly conduct.You can sue the landlord and whoever else comes in with their permission. Sue the landlord and whoever for up to $10,000 in small claims court for trespassing, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and breach of quiet enjoyment.”
Since your notice did not comply with CC section 1954, I did not consent to entry at the time of entry (or for any other reason), and I reserve the right to complain of violation of peaceful enjoyment and seek trespassing charges. No other tenant in unit 9 has the authority to disturb the rights I have alleged and reserved in this email.
Last, I notice you have installed new security lighting in the parking lot. This indicates that the previous lighting fixtures suffered catastrophic failure. As such, the capital improvements add on of $17.08 to our rent must be cancelled or reduced. Please comply. I reserve the right to file a capital improvements reduction complaint with the city.
The city clerk is requested to place this email onto the next available city council agenda under “Communications from the Public, or any such applicable procedure.
I again request fines of $50,000 each against said mentioned parties, and against the two employees who conducted the illegal inspection today that did not comply with CC section 1954.
The intercom unit 9 needs repair.
(This is a Public communication and many of these documents may have appeared on the worldwide web or local newspapers.)
All rights reserved.
(tenant name and phone redacted)
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
42 USC 1981
cc: Los Angeles County District Attorney
Communication from the Public – Regarding Los Angeles Housing Committee Item No. 14-0268-S13
Landlord Tenant Law and Privacy and CC 1954
* Inspections under CC 1954
https://www.aoausa.com/magazine/?p=1761
Tenant Move in Move out Form – CC section INITIAL INSPECTION BEFORE TENANT MOVES OUT (Civil Code § 1950.5(f))
https://www.aoausa.com/magazine/?p=2741
CIVIL CODE CIV
DIVISION 3. OBLIGATIONS [1427 3273] ( Heading of Division 3 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 14. )
PART 4. OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS [1738 3273] ( Part 4 enacted 1872. )
TITLE 5. HIRING [1925 1997.270] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. )
CHAPTER 2. Hiring of Real Property [1940 1954.05] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. )
1950.5. (a) This section applies to security for a rental agreement for residential property that is used as the dwelling of the tenant.
(b) As used in this section, “security” means any payment, fee, deposit, or charge, including, but not limited to, any payment, fee, deposit, or charge, except as provided in Section 1950.6, that is imposed at the beginning of the tenancy to be used to reimburse the landlord for costs associated with processing a new tenant or that is imposed as an advance payment of rent, used or to be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(1) The compensation of a landlord for a tenant’s default in the payment of rent.
(2) The repair of damages to the premises, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear, caused by the tenant or by a guest or licensee of the tenant.
(3) The cleaning of the premises upon termination of the tenancy necessary to return the unit to the same level of cleanliness it was in at the inception of the tenancy. The amendments to this paragraph enacted by the act adding this sentence shall apply only to tenancies for which the tenant’s right to occupy begins after January 1, 2003.
(4) To remedy future defaults by the tenant in any obligation under the rental agreement to restore, replace, or return personal property or appurtenances, exclusive of ordinary wear and tear, if the security deposit is authorized to be applied thereto by the rental agreement.
(f) (1) Within a reasonable time after notification of either party’s intention to terminate the tenancy, or before the end of the lease term, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing of his or her option to request an initial inspection and of his or her right to be present at the inspection. The requirements of this subdivision do not apply when the tenancy is terminated pursuant to subdivision (2), (3), or (4) of Section 1161 of the Code of Civil Procedure….. The purpose of the initial inspection shall be to allow the tenant an opportunity to remedy identified deficiencies, in a manner consistent with the rights and obligations of the parties under the rental agreement, in order to avoid deductions from the security. If a tenant chooses not to request an initial inspection, the duties of the landlord under this subdivision are discharged. If an inspection is requested, the parties shall attempt to schedule the inspection at a mutually acceptable date and time. The landlord shall give at least 48 hours’ prior written notice of the date and time of the inspection if either a mutual time is agreed upon, or if a mutually agreed time cannot be scheduled but the tenant still wishes an inspection. The tenant and landlord may agree to forgo the 48hour prior written notice by both signing a written waiver. The landlord shall proceed with the inspection whether the tenant is present or not, unless the tenant previously withdrew his or her request for the inspection. Written notice by the landlord shall contain, in substantially the same form, the following:….(2) Based on the inspection, the landlord shall give the tenant an itemized statement specifying repairs or cleanings that are proposed to be the basis of any deductions from the security the landlord intends to make pursuant to paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (b). This statement shall also include the texts of paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (b). The statement shall be given to the tenant, if the tenant is present for the inspection, or shall be left inside the premises.
Move-Out Inspection: Common Landlord Mistakes to Avoid
https://www.avail.co/education/articles/common-mistakes-landlords-make-move-inspection
A Renter’s Guide to a Flawless Move-in Inspection
https://www.landlordology.com/renters-guide-to-move-in-inspections/
5 Ways Your Landlord is Pocketing Your Security Deposit
https://aaronmeyerlaw.com/347/5-ways-your-landlord-is-pocketing-your-security-deposit/
(editor note: there are seven pictures attached to the email. Two videos were also taken)
Power Property Management Group Trespassers (employees) Caught on Camera. March 6, 2019 at 1:25 pm at 1522 Hi Point St 90035 as released to the Mayor and Council for the Public Record. The owner, state, county, and city refuse to fix the intercom system that is located right below the smoke detector. The tenants of the unit (not on camera) are Black.
March 2, 2019
City Government Told of Power Property Management Group Illegal Notice to Enter
Manager Kasandra Harris Named in Complaint
SUBJECT: Your Unlawful Notice to Enter Premises dated February 27, 2019
From: (Tenant name and email redacted)
To: jade@powerpropertygrp.com; highpoint1522@gmail.com; walter.barratt@gmail.com
Cc: ali4servicing@gmail.com; cityclerk@lacity.org; adam.lid@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.cedillo@lacity.org; councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org; hcidla.rso.central@lacity.org; diana@aagla.org; alex@aagla.org; matt@aagla.org
Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019, 10:46 PM PST
Power Property Management Group
Jade Beck via email
Kasandra Harris, Resident Manager via email Walter Barratt via email of record
Power Property Management Group
Agent for Hi Point Apts LLC
PO Box 472
Culver City, California 90230
I have received your Notice to Enter Premises dated February 27 2019. A copy is attached. Your notice does not mention that our intercom will be repaired. Nor does it mention that housing services tandem parking will be assigned.
Your notice maintains that you will “inspect, test, repair or maintain smoke detectors” and “Code enforcement inspection”. California Civil Code section 1954 below does not allow for such an inspection. If the city has demanded an inspection, then you need to copy all tenants a copy of the Code enforcement notice of inspection; I request such copy.
I object to the notice to enter on other grounds:
1. On January 30, 2018, a new carbon dioxide and smoke detector was installed in unit 9. I believe it has a ten year battery.
2. Maintenance people as well as code enforcement was on the property and in my unit numerous times in 2018.
3. On January 31, 2018, the city code enforcement SCEP was at the property inspecting smoke alarms.
4. On March 27, 2018, city inspector Viramontes was at the property inspecting smoke alarms.
5. If I find that you have entered the unit 9 for illegal purposes on March 6, 2019, I reserve the right to file for damages and lawsuit and seek revocation of your business license.
6. I do not consent to entry outside of the CC section 1954 notice, as such the notice does not comply with statute.
7. I do not waive the right to necessary repairs to the intercom system, however I do not have any information that such is the purpose of your written notice to enter.
8. I see no legal reason for the carbon dioxide smoke detector to be inspected (other than if you have a notice to comply from the city), thus I consider your notice harassment and an abuse of right to inspect. I attach a site to the CAA which says that the owner is NOT required to inspect the smoke detector once a year.
9. I request that you repair the intercom system unit 9 without further delay.
10. This email is being forwarded to the city committee housing that is seeking an ordinance on harassment by landlords and their agents.
11. Your notice states you will be entering the unit between 9:00 – 5:00 pm. Your notice does not comply with CC section 1954.
12. Your notice states that by written notice “entry may be made during other than normal business hours.” Your notice does not comply with CC section 1954 and represents abuse under CC 1954. You cannot use such notice to enter other than normal business hours.
Since your notice does not comply with CC section 1954, I do not consent to entry at the time of entry (or for any other reason), and I reserve the right to complain of violation of peaceful enjoyment and seek trespassing charges. No other tenant in unit 9 has the authority to disturb the rights I have alleged and reserved in this email.
Last, I notice you have installed new security lighting in the parking lot. This indicates that the previous lighting fixtures suffered catastrophic failure. As such, the capital improvements add on of $17.08 to our rent must be cancelled or reduced. Please comply. I reserve the right to file a capital improvements reduction complaint with the city.
The city clerk is requested to place this email onto the next available city council agenda under Communications from the Public.
(This is a Public communication and many of these documents may have appeared on the worldwide web.)
Al rights reserved.
(tenant name redacted)
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
Communication from the Public – Regarding Los Angeles Housing Committee Item No. 14-0268-S13
cc: RSD
CIVIL CODE – CIV
DIVISION 3. OBLIGATIONS [1427 – 3273] ( Heading of Division 3 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 14. ) PART 4. OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS [1738 – 3273] ( Part 4 enacted 1872. )TITLE 5. HIRING [1925 – 1997.270] ( Title 5 enacted 1872. ) CHAPTER 2. Hiring of Real Property [1940 – 1954.05] ( Chapter 2 enacted 1872. )1954.
(a) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit only in the following cases: (1) In case of emergency.
(2) To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors or to make an inspection pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 1950.5.
(3) When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
(4) Pursuant to court order.
(5) For the purposes set forth in Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1954.201).
(6) To comply with the provisions of Article 2.2 (commencing with Section 17973) of Chapter 5 of Part 1.5 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code.
3/5
2/28/2019 AT&T Yahoo Mail – Your Unlawful Notice to Enter Premises dated February 27, 2019
(b) Except in cases of emergency or when the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises, entry may not be made during other than normal business hours unless the tenant consents to an entry during other than normal business hours at the time of entry.
(c) The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.
(d) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (e), or as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. The notice may be personally delivered to the tenant, left with someone of a suitable age and discretion at the premises, or, left on, near, or under the usual entry door of the premises in a manner in which a reasonable person would discover the notice. Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary. The notice may be mailed to the tenant. Mailing of the notice at least six days prior to an intended entry is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary.
(2) If the purpose of the entry is to exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, the notice may be given orally, in person or by telephone, if the landlord or his or her agent has notified the tenant in writing within 120 days of the oral notice that the property is for sale and that the landlord or agent may contact the tenant orally for the purpose described above. Twenty-four hours is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. At the time of entry, the landlord or agent shall leave written evidence of the entry inside the unit.
(3) The tenant and the landlord may agree orally to an entry to make agreed repairs or supply agreed services. The agreement shall include the date and approximate time of the entry, which shall be within one week of the agreement. In this case, the landlord is not required to provide the tenant a written notice.
(e) No notice of entry is required under this section:
(1) To respond to an emergency.
(2) If the tenant is present and consents to the entry at the time of entry.
(3) After the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the unit.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 445, Sec. 1. (SB 721) Effective January 1, 2019.)
Attachments to email: CCA on Smoke Detector Inspection.pdf; 2019-2-27 Letter received Notice to Enter Premises PPG.pdf; 2018-1-30 Email Smoke alarm and Intercom.pdf; 2018-1-31 Email Recall Code Inspection.pdf; 2018-2-15 Email re Substandard.pdf; 2018-3-27 Email Recall of Code Inspection.pdf; 2018-4-8 Email Mayor on Beck and Repairs.pdf; 2018-5-10 Email Memorialize Repairs and Notice.pdf; 2018-5-31 Email Jade Demand for Payment.pdf; 2018-6-25 Email re Code Violations.pdf; 2018-7-27 Email re Entry and Intercom.pdf; 2018-7-31 Email w Original REAP demand.pdf; 2018-8-8 Email re Peephole and Intercom.pdf
(Editor note: The email for resident manager Kasandra Harris at 1522 Hi Point St is highpoint1522@gmail.com. Phone 213-908-8008 )
This Notice to Enter 1522 Hi Point St does not comply with California civil code section 1954
January 14, 2019
Jade Beck and Power Property Management Group Accused of Housing Racism
Subject: Jade Beck and Power Property Management Accused of Housing Racism
From: (tenant name and email redacted)
To: jade@powerpropertygrp.com; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org
Cc: amozannar@gmail.com; ali4servicing@gmail.com; alex@aagla.org; janet@aagla.org; charles.v.garcia@lacity.org; councilmember.bonin@lacity.org; councilmember.englander@lacity.org; councilmember.price@lacity.org; councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org; thefirstjew@yahoo.com; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.rodriguez@lacity.org; councilmember.huizar@lacity.org; councilmember.martinez@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; councilmember.buscaino@lacity.org; david.ryu@lacity.org; paul.koretz@lacity.org; councilmember.cedillo@lacity.org
Date: Monday, January 14, 2019, 9:43 PM PST
Power Property Management Group (“PPM”) Agent for Hi Point Apts LLC
PO Box 472
Culver City, California 90230
Facsimile 310-661-8195
Dear PPM/Walter Barratt Hi Point Apts LLC:
1. The Los Angeles City Council is about to open discussion on passage of a new anti- harassment ordinance directed at landlords and owners. I will be suggesting that the ordinance be named the “Barratt-Beck-PPM” anti-harassment ordinance after those persons who have conducted the most harassment of tenants who exercise their legal rights.
2. I have received the letter package dated January 10, 2019 from Walter Barratt (letter) and letter from Power Property Group. I respond:
3. Under your “Frequently Asked Questions”, we are not obligated to follow any of that; our only obligation is to follow what is in our rent agreement. Please do not threaten us with eviction for something that is not listed in our rent agreement.
4. Your FAQ mentions “parking spaces”. Please provide a list of the assigned parking by stall and apartment number. The names of the tenants are not needed.
5. You mention “onsite manager”. What is the name and contact information for the onsite resident manager at 1522 Hi Point St Apartments 90035?
6. You mention “how do I report a repair”. I have been reporting the non-working intercom to you since 2014 and it is not repaired yet. We also do not have a tandem parking stall —even though ones are available–at this location, nor have we received rent reductions because of the reduction in housing services.
7. I have seen the negative reports about your company at this Yelp site
8. You have included a “contact information update form”. We already filled that out to you in 2014. It is not in our rent agreement that we have to fill that out. I am not filling it out again.
9. As for the payment of rent, our rent agreement states that we pay the rent to the resident manager, and as we have done at the rent box in the hallway. The owner Walter Barratt wrote us a letter that we should put the rent in the rent box in the hallway. I am a senior citizen with multiple disabilities and I am not paying the rent in any other manner. You also cannot charge tenants a fee to pay rent because that is an illegal rent increase.
10. Our rent agreement says the rent is to be addressed to “Hi Point Apts LLC”. Your form claims “Hi Points LLC” but I have no record that that is a legal entity, nor does that name appear in our rent agreement.
11. What is the application process for getting maintenance to our intercom and the application process for getting a tandem parking stall?
This is a Publicly Accessible Document.
All rights reserved.
(tenant name redacted)
Ham-Jew-DNA-Kushite/Black
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
GC 12927. As used in this part in connection with housing accommodations, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(c) (1) “Discrimination” includes refusal to sell, rent, or lease housing accommodations; includes refusal to negotiate for the sale, rental, or lease of housing accommodations; includes representation that a housing accommodation is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when that housing accommodation is in fact so available; includes any other denial or withholding of housing accommodations; includes provision of inferior terms, conditions, privileges, facilities, or services in connection with those housing accommodations; includes harassment in connection with those housing accommodations; includes the cancellation or termination of a sale or rental agreement; includes the provision of segregated or separated housing accommodations; includes the refusal to permit, at the expense of the disabled person, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by the disabled person, if the modifications may be necessary to afford the disabled person full enjoyment of the premises, except that, in the case of a rental, the landlord may, where it is reasonable to do so condition permission for a modification on the renter’s agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before the modification (other than for reasonable wear and tear), and includes refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when these accommodations may be necessary to afford a disabled person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. (Emphasis added).
HI POINT APTS, LLC 201406410177
03/03/2014 ACTIVE CALIFORNIA
226 CARROLL CANAL VENICE CA 90291
WALTER BARRATT 226 CARROLL CANAL VENICE CA 90291
C2985621 POWER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC.
Registration Date: 04/06/2007 Jurisdiction: CALIFORNIA Entity Type:
DOMESTIC STOCK
Status:
ACTIVE
Agent for Service of Process: BRENT PARSONS
8885 VENICE BLVD, SUITE 205 LOS ANGELES CA 90034 Entity Address:
January 13, 2019
Power Property Management Group Accused of Illegal Rent Increase
SUBJECT: Your Invoice Dated Jan 12 2019 re Monthly Rent
From: (TENANT NAME AND EMAIL REDACTED)
To: cynthia@powerpropertygrp.com; jade@powerpropertygrp.com; walter.barratt@gmail.com; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org; hcidla.rso.central@lacity.org
Cc: councilmember.bonin@lacity.org; councilmember.englander@lacity.org; councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org; councilmember.price@lacity.org; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.rodriguez@lacity.org; councilmember.huizar@lacity.org; councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.buscaino@lacity.org; hcidla.contact@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; walter.barratt@gmail.com; ali4servicing@gmail.com; david.ryu@lacity.org; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; karen.baggio@lacity.org; robert.galardi@lacity.org; angelo.shannon@lacity.org; steve.ongele@lacity.org; richard.horn@lacity.org; mark.salazar@lacity.org; crystal.otero@lacity.org; corey.hupp@lacity.org; paula.hudak@lacity.org; terry.herr@lacity.org; michael.hughes@lacity.org; jonathan.hom@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org; info@da.lacounty.gov; emily.hu@lacity.org; maria.a.hernandez@lacity.org; scott.matsunaga@lacity.org; hcidla.rso.central@lacity.org; robert.hughes@lacity.org; charles.v.garcia@lacity.org; councilmember.martinez@lacity.org; paul.koretz@lacity.org; councilmember.Krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.cedillo@lacity.org; controller.galperin@lacity.org; thefirstjew@yahoo.com; info@smchamber.com; diana@aagla.org
Date: Sunday, January 13, 2019, 8:15 AM PST
Power Property Management Group Agent for Hi Point Apts LLC
PO Box 472
Culver City, California 90230
Dear PPM/Walter Barratt:
I remind you that in this rent control building, a rent increase can only be demanded once every 12 months; also a 30 day notice must be given; if these two conditions are not followed, it results in an illegal rent increase, as I am reporting this to Rent Control department email above.
Your invoice alleges our recurring rent is $1464.04. I do not have a record of that figure, so I ask you to provide the calculation of how you arrived at that. Then you allege that $1467.55 is the rent charge based on the $1464.04. How did you arrive at the $1467.55 based on the $1464.04?
By cashing the rent amounts given to you on January 1, you waived any complaints about the alleged one cent (.01) owed. Again, a false and deceptive business practice on your part and based on your figures, you have engaged in an illegal rent increase. Then you harass us that we have to pay the .01 cent “immediately” or face eviction, based on YOUR mistake, not ours.
All rights reserved.
(Tenant name redacted)
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
cc: Secretary State California; AAGLA
(Editor: This is a publicly accessible document.)
January 12, 2019
Subject: Revised – Your Notice of Alleged Balance Due – Your Retaliation because we complained is Unlawful – We are still being denied housing services
From: (tenant name and email redacted)
To: jade@powerpropertygrp.com; cynthia@powerpropertygrp.com; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org
Cc: councilmember.bonin@lacity.org; councilmember.englander@lacity.org; councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org; councilmember.price@lacity.org; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.rodriguez@lacity.org; councilmember.huizar@lacity.org; councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.buscaino@lacity.org; hcidla.contact@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; walter.barratt@gmail.com; ali4servicing@gmail.com; david.ryu@lacity.org; mayor.garcetti@lacity.org; karen.baggio@lacity.org; robert.galardi@lacity.org; angelo.shannon@lacity.org; steve.ongele@lacity.org; richard.horn@lacity.org; mark.salazar@lacity.org; crystal.otero@lacity.org; corey.hupp@lacity.org; paula.hudak@lacity.org; terry.herr@lacity.org; michael.hughes@lacity.org; jonathan.hom@lacity.org; councilmember.wesson@lacity.org; info@da.lacounty.gov; emily.hu@lacity.org; maria.a.hernandez@lacity.org; scott.matsunaga@lacity.org; hcidla.rso.central@lacity.org; robert.hughes@lacity.org; charles.v.garcia@lacity.org; councilmember.martinez@lacity.org; paul.koretz@lacity.org; councilmember.Krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.cedillo@lacity.org; controller.galperin@lacity.org; thefirstjew@yahoo.com; info@smchamber.com; diana@aagla.org
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019, 3:44 PM PST
Power Property Management Group – Agent for Hi Point Apts LLC PO Box 472
Culver City, California 90230
Dear PPM:
Cynthia Reynoso/Jade Beck:
I have received your email dated today alleging unpaid rent.
You allege our rent is short by one cent ($.01). See attached notice sent by you.
You claim our rent is $1467.55. Please provide a copy of the 30 day “Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy” served by the owner that verifies the rent amount you are alleging.
You email threatens us with legal action and NOTICE TO VACATE. As you know, you were the property management company in 2014 and participated in the original denial of housing services maintenance and parking in 2014, and subsequent unlawful retaliation. We have not received compensation for the denial of housing services at this address.
As far as I know, landlord tenant matters are by law handled by posting on the tenant door, thru the resident manager, or by US mail. I do not believe a tenant is obligated to respond to landlord communication by email, thus such rights are expressly reserved. As always, I am forced to email you AS A COURTESY because the normal channels for getting housings services (by contacting the resident manager, by writing the owner or
management company, etc.) have not resulted in us getting the housing services we are entitled to. There is no provision in my rent agreement that I have to email the maintenance company website portal or otherwise.
If you accepted the rent since June 1, 2018 seven months in a certain amount, then you waived the right to now complain of a shortage.
Your letter did not provide sufficient documentation such as the past rent amounts paid, or a copy of the rent agreement. As such, I believe you have engaged in false and deceptive business practices which would make you liable to be sued in a court of competent jurisdiction for damages. I ask thru this email that the City of Culver City suspend your business license.
This communication shall be a Public document. Please respond in writing by post at the property or by US Mail. An email response is not acceptable as a resolution.
We have also not received contact information for the current resident manager, if any, nor have we been served with a copy of the 2018 LAHD registration certificate for this building. It is against city ordinance to demand rent if the owner renewal of rent registration has not been served on the tenant. That is another illegality that PPM is involved in.
All rights reserved.
(Tenant name redacted)
Ham-Jew-DNA-Kushite/Black
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
c: Black Lives Matter; LA Tenants Union; cynthia:powerpropertygrp.com; Hi Point Apts LLC
California Civil Code §1942.5 (Retaliation)
1942.5.
(a) If the lessor retaliates against the lessee because of the exercise by the lessee of his rights under this chapter or because of his complaint to an appropriate agency as to tenantability of a dwelling, and if the lessee of a dwelling is not in default as to the payment of his rent, the lessor may not recover possession of a dwelling in any action or proceeding, cause the lessee to quit involuntarily, increase the rent, or decrease any services within 180 days of any of the following:
(1) After the date upon which the lessee, in good faith, has given notice pursuant to Section 1942, or has made an oral complaint to the lessor regarding tenantability.
(2) After the date upon which the lessee, in good faith, has filed a written complaint, or an oral complaint which is registered or otherwise recorded in writing, with an appropriate agency, of which the lessor has notice, for the purpose of obtaining correction of a condition relating to tenantability.
(3) After the date of an inspection or issuance of a citation, resulting from a complaint described in paragraph (2) of which the lessor did not have notice.
(4) After the filing of appropriate documents commencing a judicial or arbitration proceeding involving the issue of tenantability.
(5) After entry of judgment or the signing of an arbitration award, if any, when in the judicial proceeding or arbitration the issue of tenantability is determined adversely to the lessor.
In each instance, the 180day period shall run from the latest applicable date referred to in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive. (b) A lessee may not invoke subdivision (a) more than once in any 12month period.
(c) It is unlawful for a lessor to increase rent, decrease services, cause a lessee to quit involuntarily, bring an action to recover possession, or threaten to do any of those acts, for the purpose of retaliating against the lessee because he or she has lawfully organized or participated in a lessees’ association or an organization advocating lessees’ rights or has lawfully and peaceably exercised any rights under the law. In an action brought by or against the lessee pursuant to this subdivision, the lessee shall bear the burden of producing evidence that the lessor’s conduct was, in fact, retaliatory.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting in any way the exercise by the lessor of his or her rights under any lease or agreement or any law pertaining to the hiring of property or his or her right to do any of the acts described in subdivision (a) or (c) for any lawful cause. Any waiver by a lessee of his or her rights under this section is void as contrary to public policy.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a lessor may recover possession of a dwelling and do any of the other acts described in subdivision (a) within the period or periods prescribed therein, or within subdivision (c), if the notice of termination, rent increase, or other act, and any pleading or statement of issues in an arbitration, if any, states the ground upon which the lessor, in good faith, seeks to recover possession, increase rent, or do any of the other acts described in subdivision (a) or (c). If the statement is controverted, the lessor shall establish its truth at the trial or other hearing.
(PPM staff includes: Brent Parsons, Thomas Khammar, Jackie Gallardo, Jeanette Conway, Alva Corodo, Fidel Medina, Joel Murrillo, Javier Guevarra, Liliano Morales, Edi Hernandez, Justice Walker)
LA Rent Control (RAC) and Permits (LADBS) 