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.
Santa Monica Sues Landlord For Taking Away Disabled Tenant's Parking Spot
A Santa Monica landlord's attempt to push a disabled tenant from her rent-controlled apartment by taking away her parking spot has backfired, leading the city to file a lawsuit on her behalf.
The city of Santa Monica filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Solyman Khalili, the landlord of 1031 16th Street, alleging he violated the Tenant Harassment Ordinance and the new Housing Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. The Santa Monica Mirror reports that the lawsuit alleges that Khalili took away her parking spot without any justification and forced her to park in the street. Last week, the city sued another landlord under the Tenant Harassment Ordinance after a failed attempt to evict a rent-controlled tenant.
The Santa Monica Daily Press identified the tenant as Parvin Farrahi. In August of 2014 Khalili took away Farrahi's parking spot, although medical documents show that Farrahi requires a parking spot close to her apartment due to a disability. The city attorney's office stepped in on behalf of Farrahi and attempted to resolve the issue before resorting to legal action, but saw they had no choice as time passed. "By January of this year, it was clear they were not going to give her the space back," said Deputy City Attorney Gary Rhoades. "In the rare situation where a landlord refuses to make an accommodation that's reasonable and needed, we will turn to the courts under our new law."
According to the lawsuit, Farahi has been living in the rent-controlled unit since 1998 and pays $555 per month. In the fall of 2013, she rejected a buyout offer from Khalili for $5,000.
Support for LAist comes from
The Housing Anti-Discrimination Ordinance was passed in November, and "protects tenants with disabilities from housing discrimination" according to the city. Recent revisions to the Tenant Harassment Ordinance have also made it easier for the city to take legal action against landlords.
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 study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist