Oakland's Menlo Hotel tenants served illegal eviction notices

Oakland's Menlo Hotel tenants served illegal eviction notices

By Lynda Carson -- January 14, 2011

Oakland -- The beleaguered residents of Oakland's cock roach and bed bug infested troubled Menlo Hotel, are up against a 'January 15' unlawful eviction deadline, after receiving faulty illegal 30 day eviction notices, on December 15, 2010.

The latest standoff between the residents and the management of the residential hotel run by Ryan Nathan and his company RMD Services, began on December 15, when RMD Services served notice that they were planning to renovate or sell the hotel, and added an additional '30 Day Notice' to vacate the property. The notices failed the lawful requirement to mention that the tenants should contact Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program, if they have any questions.

Under Oakland's Measure EE, landlords are required to submit eviction notices to the Rent Adjustment Program within 10 days, and are required in writing on the eviction notice to inform the tenants to contact the Rent Adjustment Program, for more information. RMD Services failed to meet the local requirements.

Shedding more light on the nature of the illegal eviction notices, even though the residents of the Menlo Hotel were served '30 Day Notices' to vacate their rental units, on January 14, channel 7 of ABC News reported that an employee of RMD Services claimed that no one is being evicted, and that this is bad "PR", and just a misunderstanding.

Try telling that to the residents that have already fled in fear from the hotel, and the others that have sought legal representation with the Eviction Defense Center, in an effort to save their housing.

"I can't understand how someone could be devious enough to try to trick these tenants out of their housing, and put them on the streets," said local attorney Andrew Wolff. "No one should be allowed to treat these residents in such an abusive manner. I believe that RMD Services is trying to intimidate and frighten the residents out of the hotel in such a way, as to avoid paying for legally required relocation costs, in the event that renovations take place."

"Many of the tenants have sought legal assistance from the Eviction Defense Center, and they will be holding meetings to help the residents of the Menlo Hotel know what their rights are, under Oakland's rent laws."

"We are not sure, but we believe that there are as many as 100 residents at the Menlo Hotel being frightened into believing they need to move out, and its' not fair the way the management has abused the residents there, many of whom are mentally ill or disabled. From what the tenants at the Menlo Hotel are now saying, rumors are spreading around the building that RMD Services has not paid their utility bills during the past 3 years, and tenants are now afraid of losing their heat, water and electricity," said Wolff.

Attorney Andrew Wolff already represents 20 residents from the Menlo Hotel, and expects more to seek assistance due to the illegal evictions taking place.

Tenants of the Menlo Hotel have been involved in a law suit against RMD Services over a lack of elevator service, bad plumbing, poor heating, roach and bed bug infestations, and other problems at the low-income residential hotel.

Ryan Nathan is the founder of RMD Services 1, LLC, RMD Services II, LLC, and Second Chance Housing, a service provider that Nathan claims has non profit status (501c3 charity organization), with the organization's EIN number being 83-0491483.

Currently among other properties, RMD Services 1, LLC, is managing and maintaining the Menlo Hotel and Ridge Hotel in Oakland for the Prize Group, LLC, a corporation owned by Richard Singer of San Francisco. Richard Singer also owns the Hotel Des Arts and Olympic Hotel in San Francisco, among other properties.

According to records, around 70 - 80 residents of the Ridge Hotel, have also filed suit against RMD Services for poor housing conditions at that residential hotel.

Attorney Andrew Wolff may be reached at 510/834-3300

Lynda Carson may be reached at, tenantsrule [at] yahoo.com