What is the Fair Return Rent Increase Petition?

It is a petition for a landlord seeking a rent increase based on the fair return standard. The packet includes instructions and forms for presenting property income, expenses, and supporting documents.

Who can file this petition?

The property owner or an authorized representative may submit it. The rental unit must have been properly registered for at least 30 days before the city will accept the petition.

Do I need a notary for the Fair Return Petition?

No. The document does not require a notary. The owner or authorized representative signs and dates a declaration under penalty of perjury.

How do I submit the Fair Return Petition?

Deliver the petition and supporting documents to the Rent Stabilization Program Administrator at 2415 University Avenue, 2nd floor, East Palo Alto, California 94303.

East Palo Alto, CA · San Mateo County

No notary required

Petition by Landlord for Rent Increase Based on Fair Return Standard

Landlords use this petition to ask the City of East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization Program for a rent increase based on the fair return standard.

What this form is

This packet lets a landlord petition for a rent increase based on the property’s fair return, using base-year net operating income and current financial information. The city requires the rental unit to have been properly registered for at least 30 days before it will accept the petition. The form asks about the property, income, operating expenses, and adjustments, and requires supporting documentation.

Who needs it

A landlord seeking a rent increase based on the fair return standard for a rental property in East Palo Alto needs this petition.

How to submit it

Deliver the petition and all supporting documents to the Rent Stabilization Program Administrator, City of East Palo Alto, 2415 University Avenue, 2nd floor, East Palo Alto, California 94303.

About notarization

This document is signed without a notary; the owner or authorized representative signs a declaration under penalty of perjury and dates it.

How to submit this form

1
Download The Petition
Download the Fair Return Petition packet and review its instructions.
2
Complete The Petition
Fill in the owner declaration, property details, income, operating expenses, and other requested information.
3
Gather Supporting Documents
Attach supporting documents, including invoices or receipts and evidence of payment for operating expenses, organized by category.
4
Deliver The Petition
Deliver the completed petition and supporting documents to the Rent Stabilization Program Administrator at the address listed in the instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fair Return Rent Increase Petition?: It is a petition for a landlord seeking a rent increase based on the fair return standard. The packet includes instructions and forms for presenting property income, expenses, and supporting documents.
Who can file this petition?: The property owner or an authorized representative may submit it. The rental unit must have been properly registered for at least 30 days before the city will accept the petition.
Do I need a notary for the Fair Return Petition?: No. The document does not require a notary. The owner or authorized representative signs and dates a declaration under penalty of perjury.
How do I submit the Fair Return Petition?: Deliver the petition and supporting documents to the Rent Stabilization Program Administrator at 2415 University Avenue, 2nd floor, East Palo Alto, California 94303.

Need something notarized?

This Petition by Landlord for Rent Increase Based on Fair Return Standard doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another East Palo Alto form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.