On May 22, 2023, the Alhambra City Council approved “Tenant Protection Ordinances.” Both an urgency ordinance and the first reading of a non-urgency ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on no fault, substantial remodel evictions for certain residential tenancies in Alhambra were approved. The ordinances passed with a 5-0 vote to approve after robust public comment…
According to reports, Portland police have charged an evicted tenant with felony arson, criminal mischief and misdemeanor reckless endangerment in a fire that destroyed an apartment building. The Tenant 30-year old Garret Repp of Portland, had trouble written all over him. Some described him as psychotic while residents of the building reported that…
In a recent column, I referred to SBX1-2, a dangerous legislative proposal, to define “excessive profits,” as setting a new speed record in California’s headlong rush toward Soviet-style central planning. Well, let’s add one more bad bill to the state’s perpetual march toward a collectivist state. Fortunately, this one may not be legal for long.…
Despite valiant efforts by rental housing providers statewide, including tens of thousands of emails and phone calls, the Senate Judiciary Committee has approved various amendments to SB 466. The bill now advances to the Senate floor and possibly onto the Assembly for further review. What is SB 466? SB 466 would eliminate many of the…
Below are questions asked by rental property owners regarding California rent control laws, followed by answers provided by eviction attorney Dennis Block. Question One: My property is under the Los Angeles City Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Can I evict for non-payment of rent now? Answer One: The city’s and county’s moratorium expired as of March…
As a leasing professional, conducting prospect tours is an everyday task that requires you to be mindful of fair housing laws. Discrimination in housing is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. Therefore, implementing fair housing best practices can help ensure that you and your team remain compliant at all times. Consistent Tour…
In a story that sounds like an episode of Dateline, there is the saga of Arthur Aslanian. A real estate landlord previously charged in a murder-for-hire plot, Aslanian is now facing additional criminal charges in federal court. In a new federal indictment, prosecutors paint a vicious picture of Aslanian, who prosecutors allege resorts to…
In February of this year, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, (D-Los Angeles), announced a measure that strengthens the 2019 Tenant Protection Act bill capping rent hikes at 10 percent and prevents landlords from evicting tenants with no legal reason. On April 25, 2023, the committee passed the bill pending some amendments, after which it will…
In March 2020, a motion was brought forward to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS) to establish a temporary eviction moratorium in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium prohibited landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent if the tenant could demonstrate financial hardship related to the pandemic. The BOS also supported…
Below are some frequently asked questions about source of income and the Section 8 housing program. Q: What is the new law regarding source of income protections? A: California has a law called the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) that protects people from housing discrimination based on categories including race, color, national origin,…