Calling all real estate attorneys in SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA. !!?

Question

I need to know if this is legal or not:

I live in an apt complex in MILLBRAE, CA and the owner of our building has increased our rent. Now, he has given us the adequate time frame for notification but a lot of us tenants have been asking each other if they received a letter and/or increase. A LOT of tenants have NOT received ANY notices about rent increase and do not have to pay. It seems as though the owner is picking and choosing apts he wants to increase. Here are my questions:

1) Can he pick and choose rents he wants to increase?
2) If he intends on increasing the rent, doesn't he have to notify EVERYBODY of such increase?
3) If any of the above or not legal, as a tenant, what can we do?

Yes I DO need attorneys because I want to know the LAW, not "your thoughts"!!! Duh!!

Answer 1

Rent increases are generally assessed each year on the anniversary of the occupancy. Rarely is everybody increased on the same day.

-MM

Answer 2

You don't need a real estate attorney to answer that question. Of course the landlord can raise rents selectively, as long as he is not doing so in violation of Federal Fair Housing Standards (discrimination). There is nothing illegal in what the landlord is doing and he need not notify anyone except those involved in the rent increase.

Answer 3

If you do need an attorney, it would be better to call one on the phone and set up a meeting. Most attorneys will give you a free consultation and then you decide if you need to hire one.