The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted in support of eliminating a rule that allows renters to be evicted when landlords remodel their buildings.
Under the city’s “ just cause ” eviction rules, landlords can evict tenants only for specific reasons, one of which is to “substantially remodel” their properties.
Tenant advocates see the remodel exemption as a loophole that lets owners evict longtime tenants in order to raise rents. Landlords say the proposed new rules could put unnecessary barriers on owners who want to maintain and improve their properties.
The council voted 11 to 0 to order the Housing Department and city attorney to draft recommendations for an ordinance amending just cause rules to remove the substantial remodel clause.
“Hundreds of families are caught in this type of eviction process, with no ability to keep their units,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who co-authored the motion with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky. “My policy will ensure that a tenant has the ability to maintain tenancy, keep paying rent, and stay in their apartments.”