A. If a tenant contends that a proposed or actual rent increase is not in compliance with this subchapter or that there has been a reduction in housing services, the tenant may file a petition with the housing division. The tenant shall mail a copy of the petition by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the landlord within five calendar days after the date the petition is filed. Within ten calendar days after the date the petition is filed, the tenant shall file a proof of service signed under penalty of perjury stating that a copy of the petition was mailed to the landlord. The petition shall include a statement indicating the basis on which the tenant contends that a proposed or actual rent increase or a proposed or actual reduction in housing services is in violation of this subchapter, together with any evidence that the tenant wants the Director to consider. The tenant shall bear the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence at the hearing that the rent increase or reduction in housing services is not in compliance with this §§ 15.09.200 et seq.
B. Tenant petitions for noncompliance will be considered and determined by the Director in accordance with housing division guidelines; and the Director's decision may be appealed to a hearing officer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 15.09.240.
(Ord. No. 2020-014 § 2)