The form also is known as the “RAP Notice” and the “Notice to Tenants.” This form explains the existence of the RAP and tenants’ rights under the rent law. Under the Rent Adjustment Ordinance, property owners must give tenants a copy of the Notice of the Rent Adjustment Program (“The RAP Notice”) (1) at the commencement of a tenancy and are required to give it in three languages English, Spanish, and Chinese, AND (2) with every notice of rent increase (O.M.C 8.22.060, Rent Adjustment Ordinance Implementing Regulation 8.22.060.)
Under the Tenant Protections Ordinance (TPO), property owners of buildings with at least one interior common area accessible by all the tenants must post the RAP Notice in at least one such common area per building (O.M.C. 8.22.640.E.).
New Requirement for RAP Notice in Multiple Languages at Move-In.
- Effective September 21, 2016, owners are required to provide the RAP Notice in three languages: English, Spanish and Chinese. This rule applies only to move-ins that started on or after September 21, 2016. These notices can be found below.
- Failure of the current or previous owner to provide the RAP Notice at the beginning of a tenancy can delay the effective date of a rent increase.
- Failure to provide the RAP Notice can extend the time that tenants have to file petitions. The time can be extended from 90 days to 120 days.
- Rent increase givens without the RAP Notice may be considered invalid.