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L.A. Might Make It A Crime To Rent Out Party Houses
A Los Angeles City Council rep is trying to crack down on those epic Hollywood Hills ragers by making it illegal to rent out a house for the purpose of partying. Councilmember David Ryu has suggested making it a misdemeanor for someone to rent out a home for the express purpose of partying, according to Beverly Press. The residents of Hollywood Hills have long been incensed about the number of supposedly wild gatherings and occurrences in the neighborhood, such as the Yotta Life Mansion and an Airbnb campsite where people were seen having sex. The most frequent complaints, however, seem to revolve around noise and traffic issues along the neighborhood's narrow roads.
According to LAPD Sgt. Darrell Davis, the police are frequently called about these parties, meaning they need to trek up the hills to check on them, which he considers a waste of resources. He said that most hosts don't even care about the citations, as they have the money to pay them. A misdemeanor, however, would go on a record.
Anastasia Mann, president of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, said that while she's not against parties, per se, it's specifically the party rentals that are the problem.
"The attitude is part of what has inflamed the community," she told the Beverly Press. People who are doing this don't have any consideration about the neighborhood. It really is a serious issue. It's like taking Airbnb to a new level...Personally, I think [more regulations] would help deter this if you're renting out your house as a commercial venture."
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The L.A. City Council's Planning and Land Use Department looked at Ryu's motion earlier this week and put off making a decision until more information is gathered. They will revisit the idea in 60 days.
Danny Fitzgerald owns four homes in the Hollywood Hills that have been used for parties by the likes of Justin Bieber, a TV show about swingers, and an an open-minded couple that reportedly hosts massive pool parties with attendees including a lot of buxom women and possibly a caged lion. Fitzgerald has suggested if neighbors don't like what goes on in his homes, they can buy them from him to the tune of $50 million.
"Go ahead, all you f—ing assholes out there that complain every day: You can have them. They make money. They're a good return. Buy my homes, and I will leave," he said to his opposition via The Hollywood Reporter.
[h/t Curbed LA]
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