At The Ponce Real Estate Group, we pride ourselves on keeping you informed about the latest developments that affect property ownership and the real estate market. However, the recent actions of the Los Angeles City Council threaten not just landlords, but the future of housing in our city.
In a sweeping move, city leaders have imposed a year-long moratorium on eviction notices for substantial renovations. This ordinance unfairly paints property owners as villains while ignoring the devastating consequences for both landlords and renters.
The ban targets multifamily properties, single-family houses, condominiums, accessory dwelling units, and more—even those where owners have already invested in renovations, signed contracts, obtained permits, and properly notified tenants. It dismisses the reality that "substantial remodels" are not cosmetic changes—they're vital repairs that ensure safety, habitability, and long-term sustainability.
Tenant advocacy groups claim these renovations are a guise for greedy evictions. Yet, in the last 26 months, only about 100 such remodels have occurred citywide—a mere fraction of the rental market. Meanwhile, this ban jeopardizes tenants' safety by trapping them in aging, deteriorating buildings that desperately need repairs. In some cases, the alternative is demolition and redevelopment, which displaces renters entirely.
Furthermore, this ordinance leaves small property owners with no options, forcing them to sell their properties "as is" to developers. This isn't protecting housing; it's accelerating the loss of rental units and community stability.
The state’s Tenant Protection Act already provides a fair process for necessary renovations, offering monetary assistance to tenants. Why should responsible landlords, who follow the law, be punished? Critical repairs like plumbing, electrical upgrades, and structural fixes can't wait while a misguided policy puts lives and property values at risk.
We at The Ponce Real Estate Group strongly believe in the importance of maintaining and improving rental properties—not just for landlords, but for the well-being of renters. If you're concerned about how this ordinance impacts your property or need a no obligation evaluation, give us a call.
Frank: (310) 503-4158 Viktorie: (424) 301-0075
Let's work together to protect your investment and ensure the future of quality housing in Los Angeles.