NEWS ALERT: L.A. County Moves to Increase Requirements for Voluntary Buyout Agreements
On July 11th, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support a motion by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis to have staff report back in 90 days with additional requirements for voluntary (“cash-for-keys”) buyout agreements, At-Fault tenancy terminations, and permitting an affirmative defense for renters when lack of proper notice is given to the County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA). The motion specifically provides:
- Requires any tenant in unincorporated areas of L.A. County who is offered a voluntary buyout agreement is also offered an amount equal to or greater than the relocation assistance a tenant would be entitled to under a no-fault eviction.
- Clarifies tenants have an affirmative defense to an unlawful detainer (eviction) action should a landlord fail to provide a copy of the notice of termination or eviction to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) as required under Chapter 8.52.
- Requiring that for ANY At-Fault termination of tenancy, the termination notice set forth specific facts to permit a determination of the date, place, witnesses, and circumstances concerning the reason for eviction.
AAGLA strongly advocated in opposition to the above motion and strongly urged the Board to specifically remove the requirement to disclose witnesses for ALL At-Fault tenancy terminations as doing so would greatly endanger any residents who wish to remain anonymous when reporting an illegal act, nuisance, and unauthorized occupants or pets in violation of a lease agreement. No residents should feel their safety is at risk when they are acting in good faith as responsible adults by reporting an issue to the rental property owner. Additionally, AAGLA requested that substantial stakeholder engagement be conducted with all relevant, interested parties like rental property owners and local trade associations such as AAGLA, regarding these and other potential revisions to the existing restrictions regarding tenancy terminations.
We will continue to monitor this issue, advocate for our members’ interests, and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
If you want to STOP harmful regulations like these from proliferating throughout Southern California in the future, give us the resources we need to support candidates that will bring a fair and balanced approach to policy making. Make a contribution to the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles’ Political Action Committee TODAY! Make your contribution at: https://aagla.org/candidatespac/.
This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions regarding your property or specific tenancies and the requirements of any local law changes described herein, please consult with an attorney.