The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday voted to adopt legislation that strengthens anti-harassment protections for the city's tenants and makes it easier for tenants to sue landlords who break the rules.
The anti-tenant harassment law, known as TAHO, was originally passed three years ago in an effort to protect tenants from threats or intimidation by landlords. It was hailed as a significant victory for employers, but lawyers began demanding changes as they filed thousands of complaints but failed to prosecute.
The council voted 11-0 to approve the ordinance, which updates TAHO. The decision comes one day after the council voted to end a bylaw that allows tenants to be evicted when landlords renovate their properties.
The new anti-harassment law gives employers who win in court the right to triple the amount of damages, fines and attorney's fees.
It also defines harassment as “misconduct by a landlord” directed at tenants that causes them injury or harm.
The changes, advocates say, will better protect employers and help create incentives for private attorneys to take on harassment cases, a change they say is needed to strengthen enforcement.
As of this summer, city housing officials said they have received more than 13,000 complaints allegations of abuse. No cases have been criminally prosecuted.
Homeowners' attorneys slammed the new law during a hearing Wednesday, saying it was aimed at increasing lawsuits.
“This will dampen any communication between owners and tenants as small owners will live in fear of false claims of harassment,” said David Kaishchyan of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.
A number of tenants gathered again at the council chambers on Wednesday to urge the council to pass the law and put restrictions on rent increases. Several spoke of abuse at the hands of the landlord, including Rosalba Vargas, who said she has faced abuse at her rental property for years.
“Rent increases encourage owners to evict people who have lived in their properties for many years in order to charge more,” he said. “That's why they tortured us.”
Torture, she tearfully said, “affects our mind and our physical health.”
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