The Ellis Act, Evictions and Affordable Housing

KCRW
Which Way, L.A.?

Produced by: Christine Detz and Jenny Hamel

Coalition for Economic Survival Executive Director Larry Gross appeared on KCRW's "Which Way LA?" on June 16, 2015.

Yesterday, the State Supreme Court called California's affordable housing shortage a crisis "of epic proportions." At the same time, a state law allows landlords to evict long-term tenants when changes are made in rent-controlled living accommodations. Elderly, poor and disabled people can find themselves out on the street. San Francisco officials challenged the real estate lobby in Sacramento and worked some changes. Could LA do the same?

Los Angeles is the least affordable housing market in the United States, according to authorities at UCLA. City Council members are calling a state law part of the problem. The Ellis Act allows property owners to evict long-time tenants from rent-controlled units — even if they're elderly, poor, disabled or military veterans. San Francisco officials challenged the real estate lobby in Sacramento and worked some changes. Could LA do the same?

Guests:

Larry Gross, Coalition for Economic Survival (@la_ces)

Beverly Kenworthy, California Apartment Association (@caanet)

Randy Shaw, Tenderloin Housing Clinic (@BeyondChron)