Division 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Cross reference— Administration generally, Ch. 2.

(a)

This article shall apply to all rent increases effective on or after July 1, 1980, and to all landlord/tenant disputes arising after July 1, 1980.

(b)

No landlord shall be required to refund any rent under this article; however, the mediation agreement or arbitration award may establish a reasonable rent at a decreased level, which may be effective for up to twelve (12) months from the date of the agreement or award.

(Code 1968, § 24.50.010; Ord. No. 2029, § II, 4-21-97; Ord. No. 2128, § II, 3-15-04)

Filing a petition for dispute resolution of a rent increase stays the tenant's obligation to pay any amount of the increase greater than the limits set forth for annual increases below in section 14.80.310(c), pending the final outcome of the resulting case under this dispute resolution process. If the final outcome results in approval of an increase greater than the limit set forth in 14.80.310(c), the tenant shall pay the resulting retroactive increase due, calculated from the effective date of the proper increase notice to the date of the final outcome. Said payment must be made by the tenant within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of the final outcome of this dispute resolution process, unless otherwise ordered as part of any arbitration award or voluntary settlement in the case.

(Code 1968, § 24.50.015; Ord. No. 2029, § III, 4-21-97; Ord. No. 2128, § II, 3-15-04)

A finding by an arbitrator of a violation of this article by a landlord shall be a complete defense to unlawful detained proceedings by a landlord against a tenant not otherwise in default under the lease, and to any action to recover rents in excess of those found reasonable.

(Code 1968, § 24.50.020; Ord. No. 2128, § II, 3-15-04)

Any waiver or purported waiver by a tenant of rights granted under this article prior to the time when such rights may be exercised shall be void as contrary to public policy.

(Code 1968, § 24.50.025; Ord. No. 2128, § II, 3-15-04)

The Town may enforce this article by bringing a civil action.

(Code 1968, § 24.50.030; Ord. No. 2128, § II, 3-15-04)

Secs. 14.80.130—14.80.200. - Reserved.