Senior Residents at Ventana Apartments Face Rent Hikes and Alleged Retaliation

Residents at Ventana Apartments, a low-income senior housing complex in Fullerton, are speaking out against unfair rent increases and alleged retaliatory actions by property management. The controversy began when Richman Property Services, which manages the 95-unit building for the Richman Group, announced a 30% rent increase—a move that could have forced many elderly residents on fixed incomes out of their homes.

Initial Rent Hike Sparks Outrage

In August 2022, tenants of Ventana Apartments received notices of a 30% rent increase set to take effect in November. For residents relying on Social Security Retirement Benefits, which averaged $1,623 per month in 2022, such an increase posed a severe financial burden.

After public outcry and media coverage, including an article by Adrian Meza in The Fullerton Observer, Richman Property Services retracted the initial notice, claiming it had been sent prematurely before internal review. Instead, the company stated the actual rent increase would be 10%, citing rising market costs.

Despite this revision, concerns remained, as many questioned why such a dramatic increase had been proposed initially and whether the company would attempt further hikes in the future.

Allegations of Retaliation Against Tenants

Shortly after the rent controversy, Ventana residents reported receiving strict new lease enforcement notices that restricted access to community spaces. A new policy outlined that all common areas, including gyms, patios, hallways, elevators, and lobbies, would be off-limits outside of 8 AM - 10 PM.

Residents, many of whom require mobility assistance, were shocked by this sudden restriction. Some worried they could be locked out of their apartments if they returned home late.

After tenants voiced concerns, Richman Property Services walked back the policy, stating that the hallways, elevators, and lobby would remain open 24 hours and that the restriction applied only to the patios due to noise complaints. However, no official correction notice was issued to residents, leaving many unsure about the enforceability of the rule.

Legal Questions and Community Response

The sudden policy changes raised questions about tenant rights and potential retaliation. According to California Civil Code §1942.5, it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against tenants for organizing or speaking out about their housing conditions. Some residents suspect the timing of the notices was intentional, aimed at discouraging tenant advocacy.

Tenants have since been organizing meetings and have gained the support of Fullerton City Councilmember Ahmad Zahra who was notified by Adrian Meza, who is investigating whether Richman Property Services violated its contract with the city by failing to notify officials of the rent increase.

Zahra also consulted Santa Ana city officials about their rent stabilization programs, as Santa Ana recently implemented stricter rent control policies to protect low-income renters. Senior Residents at Ventana Apartments Face Rent Hikes and Alleged Retaliation

What Happens Next?

With senior residents still facing a 10% rent increase, questions remain about whether Richman Property Services will attempt further increases in the future. Community leaders, including Councilmember Zahra, continue to explore legal options, and tenant meetings are ongoing.

The case at Ventana Apartments highlights the ongoing housing crisis in Fullerton, where rent control policies remain limited, leaving many vulnerable tenants at risk of displacement.