Posted on 10/15/2024
ONE BIG THING: CLOSING THE “RENOVICTION” LOOPHOLE
What is the loophole?
Under current law, landlords can evict tenants if they need to perform “substantial" renovations on a property that cannot be done safely with tenants in place, and requires the tenant to vacate for at least 30 days.
In reality, many landlords are exploiting this provision to remodel unnecessarily or even slow walk renovations to kick out tenants. And in cases that do genuinely require this construction, there are not enough safeguards to ensure that the displaced families can still have a place to live.
Why it Matters
This loophole is a major tool that corporate landlords use to evict low-income tenants in rent-stabilized units so they can jack up the rent and maximize profits. Displaced tenants are then forced to look for a new home on short notice, which almost always has a much higher rent.
The Legislation
We co-sponsored a motion from Councilmembers Blumenfield and Yaroslavsky that would remove the current “substantial remodel” clause from the law, and replace it with assurances that tenants can have a home with the same rent in the rare cases when these renovations are needed.
What's Next?
The Housing & Homelessness Committee will have a hearing about the motion where councilmembers can make amendments, and then it will move to the full City Council for a vote.
Two More Quick Hits!
1. Eliminating Education Requirements for City Jobs
This week, City Council passed a motion that we co-sponsored from Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Tim McOsker that will allow the city to consider work experience as an alternative to educational requirements for city jobs.
Hands-on experience should never be overlooked just because someone doesn’t have a college degree. Thanks to this motion, the city will now have the chance to truly consider all qualified applicants.
2. DASH Fare Reinstatement
Starting January 11, 2025, the DASH will be $0.35 with TAP, $0.50 with cash, and free for students and Cityride clients. For information about reduced-fare TAP cards for seniors, students, and low-income workers – click here.