January 2003
The sluggish economy is blamed for the dismal rent-increase limit set by the Rent Board last month. The increase, the lowest on record for San Francisco, should shock even the most seasoned rental-property professionals. The new amount of 0.8% is based on 60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all Urban Consumers in the Bay Area, which was 1.4% for the last twelve months, ending November 2002. The new rent increase is in effect from March 1, 2003, through February 29, 2004.
The SFAA will conduct a new seminar covering amended and completely new state- and local-housing and rent control laws. Two separate dates are offered and the course will include an overview of updated CAA forms. Jan. 22, 2003, or Jan. 29, 2003, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fort Mason Center, Building A (Golden Gate Room) Members $50, non-members $70 (Advance registration requested) Instructor: Eric Andresen If space is available, on-site registration will be offered at an additional charge. To register or to obtain more information, please contact SFAA Educational Director, Greg Miller, at 415-255-2288, or by email at greg@sfaa.org.
This month, the Board of Directors of SFAA enthusiastically welcomes three new members to our board. Bob Berger, Robert Link and Meg Ruxton were all born in San Francisco and all three are involved in the rental-property business here. Their combined experience and energy will greatly benefit the association and our board of directors.
Meg Ruxton
In addition to raising two young children with her husband, Meg Ruxton finds time to personally manage their seven-unit apartment building atop Nob Hill. A lawyer by trade, Meg practiced as a litigator for several years in San Francisco, including representing landlords in real-estate matters. After the birth of her children, Ms. Ruxton chose to focus on raising them and, at the same time, overseeing the management of their owner-occupied apartment building. She joined the association almost ten years ago and quickly discovered it was a “great resource.” She loves the energy of the city, and often visits Crissy Field and the city’s parks and museums with her family. In addition to her new role on our board of directors, she serves as the Chair of Strategic Planning for the Junior League of San Francisco and as Co-Chair of the Huntington Park Playground Committee for the Nob Hill Association.
Robert Link
A successful property management and real estate agent, Robert Link joined his family-run business a decade ago. The firm, S & L Realty, has been operating out of their Richmond District headquarters since 1975. Focusing on sales and management, Robert’s mantra for the industry is “fewer clients, better service,” and he finds that maintaining good tenant communication is key to success. A graduate of St. Ignatius, this “wild cat” later received a degree in International Business from San Francisco State University. Soon after graduating, he purchased his first building in 1996. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys mountain and road biking, snow boarding and, of course, Lake Tahoe.
Bob Berger
A seasoned hotel and hospitality executive, Bob Berger’s service to our board of directors should be enlightening. He served for over 18 years as the Director of Human Resources at both the Stanford Court on Nob Hill and the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena. Most recently, he was the general manager of the Francisca Club here in San Francisco. In addition to his work, he is active in numerous education and civic organizations. He serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Hotel and Restaurant Department at City College and is also Management Trustee for the San Francisco Culinary Bartenders and Service Employees’ Trust Fund. Appointed by Governor George Deukmejian, he also served for eight years on the state’s Apprenticeship Council representing the culinary industry.
Bob manages his family-run business with several properties in Pacific Heights and the north end of town. Bob believes the industry must be proactive and not reactive. “I have a lot of concern regarding the political climate in San Francisco and how we can best represent owners in a fair and reasonable way,” said Berger. He lives in Hillsborough with his wife of 35 years, and has two grown daughters living in Los Angeles, one in law school and the other, a school counselor.
Residential Landlord-Tenant Law in California
On February 6, 2003, Sterling Education Services will present a full-day seminar entitled “Residential Landlord-Tenant Law in California.” Keynote speakers are attorneys Nils Rosenquest, Clifford Fried, and James Coy Driscoll. Topics covered include: important lease provisions, landlord obligations, tenant obligations, public and subsidized housing, security deposits, the eviction process, the judicial process, and when the tenant files bankruptcy. Receive 25% off the full tuition price if you mention that you saw it in the SF Apartment Magazine. For more details, and to register, visit the Sterling Education Services Web page at sterlingeducation.com.