With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Rent Control Evictions Are Skyrocketing Across City
2 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom all for just $46,000 annually! (Photo by melissssaf via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
()
Evictions of tenants living in rent-controlled units are on the rise all across Los Angeles, as land developers realize they can make more money by demolishing a rent-controlled building and cash in big-time by building new market-rate or luxury housing in its place, according to the L.A. Times.
In a new report, the Times found that more than 1,000 rent-controlled units were removed from the rental market in 2014, nearly three times as many in 2013. At the same time, evictions from similar apartments have doubled, though the LAT did not include specific numbers on those evictions.
Landlords are technically allowed to evict tenants if they intend to either take the housing off the rental market or demolish the building and build new apartments. The 1985 Ellis Act sets these provisions, though also mandates that any new units built after Ellis Act evictions would be subject to rent-control as well.
The Times uses the story of Dee Ann Newkirk to illustrate the point. Newkirk lives in a rent-controlled apartment in Beverly Grove, paying $1,350 to live in a one-bedroom unit.
Support for LAist comes from
A development company, Wiseman Residential, has purchased and demolished several buildings on her block. Wiseman also recently acquired the building Newkirk lives in, prompting her to worry that she too will soon be facing eviction.
Stuff like this happens all the time, unfortunately. Last year, a group of evicted tenants from Santa Monica rallied together and decided to sue their former landlord they were replaced by Airbnb tourists.
The Times also points out that the lions share of these evictions are happening in Westside neighborhoods like Sawtelle and Beverly Grove, where demand for new luxury housing is through the roof.
It’s critical to note that Los Angeles’ stock of rent-controlled units totals north of 641,000 units. The 1,000 rent-controlled units lost in 2014—and even the total 20,000 units lost since 2001—represent a very small portion all rent-controlled units in L.A.
At the same time, Los Angeles has one of the tightest, most unaffordable rental markets in the entire country. Vacancy rates are extremely low, just 2.7 percent compared to a 7 percent national average, according to KPCC.
A unit is considered “rent-controlled” if it is inside a building that was built before October of 1978. Where newer units are subjected to more arbitrary rent increases, a unit that’s designated rent-controlled is limited to a 3 percent annual increase for existing tenants. New tenants in rent-controlled buildings are subject to market rate rent, but future increases are still limited to 3 percent annual increases.
Incidentally,L.A City's planning department made a tool available for the public earlier this year that can help you determine whether or not a unit you’re eyeing is rent-controlled or not.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist