Glossary

Duplex	A duplex is a building that has two units. Each unit has it’s own entrances (one for each unit).
Small Claims Court	Is a way for people to have their legal disputes, about property or money, heard without the expensive and time-consuming process of a full trial. People can present their own evidence and make their own arguments directly to the judge. In CA, someone can sue through small claims with a limit of $10,000. For businesses, the limit is $5000.
Codes and Compliance (Code Enforcement)	A city department that handles property inspections, zoning and certain vendor and building permits. They have inspectors that enforce these services.
Alameda Vector Control	Division of the Alameda County Environmental Health Department that prevents the spread of diseases caused by vermin, birds, insects and other animals through public education, services and inspections.
CPI	Consumer Price Index, is an estimate of price level changes in a region.This estimate is used to set the allowable annual rent increases in Oakland for units covered by Rent Control.
OHA	Oakland Housing Authority provides subsidized housing to tenants in Oakland. They are a housing authority under the National Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Currently, they provide housing to over 16,500 families in Oakland.
HUD	National Department of Housing and Urban Development that oversees regional and city specific housing authorities such as Oakland Housing Authority.
Costa Hawkins	A statewide law that allows landlords to set the rent to market rate whenever tenants move out of a unit, prevents cities from providing rent control for buildings built after 1995, and prevents rent control for single family homes and condos. There’s statewide campaigns to repeal this law as it limits tenant protections in cities like Oakland.
Rent Board	Assumes all the duties and functions of overseeing the Rent Adjustment Ordinance and oversees appeals for Rent Adjustment Program petitions. It includes seven members: 2 tenants, 2 landlords, and 3 neutral members. There are also additional alternates. All members serve 3-year staggered terms, no more than two terms to be served consecutively on the Board.
RAP	The Rent Adjustment Program in Oakland is a program that administers the Rent Adjustment Ordinance and provides education, hearings and resources for both Tenants and landlords on Oakland’s housing laws.
Fixed Term tenancy	A lease that only lasts for a set amount of time. For example: a one year lease
Periodic Term tenancy	Is month to month and either the landlord or tenant can end it.
Permitted Unit	A residential unit that has been certified as “residential” and has all the city permits needed for it it to be within zone and habitable.
Unpermitted Unit	A residential unit that has not been certified as “residential” and therefore does not have all the city permits needed for it it to be within zone and habitable.
Move out Agreement	A written agreement wherein the owner pays the tenant money or other considerations to vacate a rental unit. O.M.C. 8.22.300
Habitable Unit	CA Civil Code 1941.1 states that a “habitable unit” is a unit that is safe and liveable. Under CA code a habitable unit must include the following: Effective waterproofing and weather protection of roof and exterior walls including broken windows or doors Plumbing facilities in good working order, including hot and cold running water, connected to a sewage disposal system. Gas facilities in good working order. Heating system in good, working order. Electric system, including lighting and wiring, and equipment in good, working order. Building and grounds kept clean, sanitary, free from garbage, rodents and vermin. Adequate number of garbage cans or dumpsters in good repair. Floors, stairways, and railings in good repair.
Unlawful Detainer	A lawsuit to evict a tenant.
Banking	Banking is any CPI Rent Adjustment the Owner delays or pauses but then imposes at a later date, subject to Rent Adjustment Reulations (Oaklandnet.com)
CA Tenant Protection Act	Sets statewide rent caps and additional eviction protections to covered units in CA.
Court Summons	An official notice of a lawsuit that invites the defendant to appear in court or to file a document with the court.