A. Context: For the purposes of this chapter, the words and phrases shall be defined as set forth herein, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning is intended.
B. Words Not Defined: Words and phrases used in this chapter which are not specifically defined shall be construed according to their context and the customary usage of the language.
C. Words Defined:
APARTMENT RENTAL AGREEMENT: An agreement, oral, written, or implied, between a landlord and tenant for the use or occupancy of an apartment unit and for housing services.
APARTMENT UNIT: Any dwelling unit in the City of Beverly Hills rented or offered for rent for human habitation, together with the land and accessory structures appurtenant thereto, and all housing services supplied in connection with the use or occupancy thereof, which is not exempted under section 4-6-1 of this chapter.
DISABLED PERSON: Any person who is receiving benefits from a Federal, State, or local government, or from a private entity on account of a permanent disability that prevents the person from engaging in regular, full time employment.
HOUSING SERVICES: All services connected with the use or occupancy of an apartment unit, including, but not limited to, repairs, replacement, maintenance, painting, light, heat, water, elevator service, laundry facilities and privileges, janitor service, refuse removal, furnishings, telephone, off street parking, and any other benefits, privileges, or facilities.
LANDLORD: An owner, lessor, sublessor, or any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity entitled to receive rent for the use of any apartment unit or the agent, representative, or successor of any of the foregoing.
MINOR: Any person younger than eighteen (18) years of age.
RENT: The consideration, including any bonus, benefits, or gratuity demanded or received, for or in connection with the use or occupancy of an apartment unit, including, but not limited to, monies demanded or paid for parking, for furnishings, for housing services of any kind, or for subletting.
TENANT: A tenant, subtenant, lessee, sublessee, or any other person entitled to the use or occupancy of any apartment unit.
VACANCY: The departure from an apartment unit of all of the tenants. For purposes of this definition, the term "tenant" shall not include persons who took possession of an apartment unit as sublessees or assignees after January 1, 1999, if the rental agreement restricts or prohibits subletting or assignment, and the restriction has not been satisfied or the prohibition has not been waived.
VOLUNTARILY VACATED: The vacancy of an apartment unit by all of the tenants. "Voluntarily vacated" does not include a vacancy: 1) that is the result of a constructive eviction of the tenant, which was caused by the landlord; 2) when the previous tenancy was terminated by the landlord by notice pursuant to Civil Code section 1946; or 3) when the previous tenancy was terminated due to a change in the terms of the tenancy noticed pursuant to Civil Code section 827, except a change permitted by law in the amount of rent or fees. (Ord. 17-O-2729, eff. 5-5-2017)