Los Angeles City Council Passes Stricter Tenant Harassment Ordinance

The Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to pass an ordinance that would strengthen tenant harassment protections and make it easier for tenants to sue landlords who violate the rules.

The Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance, known as TAHO, was originally passed three years ago to protect tenants from threats or intimidation from landlords. It was hailed as an important victory for tenants, but advocates began pushing for change as it sparked thousands of complaints but failed to result in prosecutions.

The council voted 11-0 to pass an ordinance updating the TAHO. The decision came a day after the council voted to repeal a rule that allows tenants to be evicted if landlords significantly renovate their buildings.

The new anti-harassment law entitles tenants to three times the amount of damages, minimal fines and attorney’s fees.

It also redefines harassment as “unfair conduct by a landlord” directed at tenants and causing them harm or harm.

Advocates say the changes will better protect tenants and help create incentives for private attorneys to take on harassment cases. They said the change was necessary to increase compliance with the rules.

As of this summer, city housing officials said they had received more than 13,000 complaints alleging harassment. No cases were prosecuted.

Lawyers for landlords opposed the new law during a hearing Wednesday, saying it is designed to increase litigation.

“This will absolutely freeze any communication between owners and tenants because small owners will live in fear of false claims of harassment,” said David Kaishchian of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.

Dozens of tenants also gathered in the council chambers Wednesday to urge the council to approve the legislation and pass limits on rent increases. Some spoke of harassment from their landlord, including Rosalba Vargas, who said she had faced harassment in her rental apartment for years.

“Raising rents encourages owners to evict people who have lived in their properties for years so they can charge more money,” she said. “That’s why they’re chasing us.”

Harassment, she said in tears, “affects our mental and physical health.”