In order to increase our chances, our group agreed to mediation, rather than proceeding right to court. (We were representing ourselves, and had not hired a lawyer.)
The specific details of what happened in mediation are confidential, however, you will be pleased to know that they succeeded in negotiating a 2.7% increase (rather than the original 3%). A note to that effect should be coming to tenants soon. A .3% reducation may seem like a small victory, but it let Homestead know that they cannot just randomly increase the rent above the legal guideline without at least a bit of a fight!
Please note, the 2.7% is for 2016 rent increase -- there is still a.53% decrease based on some sort of property tax evaluation. So your 2016 increase should only be about 2.2% in total.
The increase guideline for 2017 is 1.5%, according to the landlord an tenant board; see this link.
Thanks to all who attended and spoke on our behalf for your hard work, and thanks to everyone who has been coming to meetings and contributing for their help in getting us prepped for last week's hearing.