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City Council Paves Way For Tenants To Sue Over Violations Of Eviction Protections
A nearly empty chamber for a remote L.A. City Council meeting. (Screenshot shows streamed meeting)
At Wednesday’s city council meeting, councilmembers passed two motions aimed at helping renters who are struggling through a pandemic and an economic crisis.
The first gives renters a "private right of action" — the ability to sue landlords who violate eviction protections. Property owners could be on the hook for $10,000 for each violation. That could rise to $15,000 if the tenant is elderly or disabled.
The city of L.A. has enacted emergency eviction protections in recent months for renters who can’t pay due to coronavirus.
The council also voted for a citywide freeze on rent increases of L.A.’s rent-stabilized units. That measure will be in effect for a year after the city’s emergency ends.
GO DEEPER:
- LA Says Yes To Rental Help But No To A Citywide Rent Hike Freeze
- Some Cities Relax Eviction Rules As Pressure Mounts From Landlords
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