Coalition for Economic Survival Closes Out 2012 With Major Tenants’ Rights Victories

In the closing weeks of 2012, tenants in the City of Los Angeles were provided some holiday presents with two separate unanimous votes by the LA City Council to adopt laws protecting renters.

The Coalition for Economic Survival (CES) was the main advocate in securing these important laws.

Council Member Eric Garcetti, author of the Foreclosure Eviction Ordinance, states the case of why this crucial law needs to be extended another year.

First, On December 11, 2012, the Los Angeles City Council voted to extend the City’s Foreclosure Eviction Ordinance, proposed by LA City Council Member Eric Garcetti, to protect tenants living in rental properties not subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) from eviction on the grounds of foreclosure for another year. This Ordinance prohibits lenders from evicting any tenants in the City merely because of foreclosure on their landlords. Tenants living in rent controlled units have had these protections.

Days after the L.A. City Council then voted on December 14, 2012 in support of an ordinance introduced by Councilmember Paul Krekorian, in response to CES’ urging, to prohibit landlords from demanding that their tenants pay their rent only online.

Victory Secured as Vote Tally Board in Background Posts Unanimous LA City Council Vote in Support of City Council Member Paul Krekorian’s Ordinance to Prohibit Rent Payment Only Online Demands by Landlords (L to R: Bet Tzedek Legal Services Attorney Patricia Van Dyke, LA City Council Member Paul Krekorian, CES Executive Director Larry Gross & Woodlake Manor Apartments Tenants Association & CES Tenant Leader Dedon Kamathi – photo by Betsy Annas, CLA Office)

The ordinance mirrors a state law (SB 1055) authored by California State Senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) that goes into effect on January 1, 2013, which provides protections to all California tenants. The LA ordinance will enable the Los Angeles Housing Department to enforce the law locally.

These two laws iced a successful years for CES in its fight for economic justice. In addition, in 2012 CES worked to win, achieve and/or provide:

• Cutting City of LA Parking Fine Fee Increases in Half

• Lead Paint Safe Work Practices Protection for California Low Income Utility Rate Payers Receiving Energy Efficient Upgrades from Contractor Under State Mandated Utility Programs

• Safer and Healthier Rental Units

• Needed Repairs for Tenants

• Legal Advice to Tenants in Dispute With Their Landlords

• Support for Labor Unions Fighting on Behalf of Workers to Secure Fair Wages & Working Conditions, Such as Walmart Workers