After hearing from a nearly packed chamber of feisty tenants and anxious landlords, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday voted to dramatically raise the relocation fees that condominium developers must pay before kicking out residents of rent-controlled apartments.
The move, which doubled some and nearly tripled other current fees, marked a significant escalation in the condo conversion wars that have swept the city over the last five years -- particularly on the pricey Westside -- as a dwindling stock of affordable housing has been rapidly outpaced by a growing middle-class population.
Even after more than three hours of debate, several council members acknowledged that the city still needs a broader housing policy and must build more units.
Relocation fees: A sidebar in Thursday's Section A, about higher payments to rent-control tenants who are forced out by condo conversions, said renters who have occupied their apartments for less than five years could get as much as $14,650. The sum is $14,850, as the main article reported.
"I can name a lot of people who in all honestly, even with relocation fees, will not be able to move and live in the same community that they have for years," Councilwoman Wendy Greuel said. "And that's what gets to our heartstrings."
Putting a human face on the debate were dozens of tenants who spent the day at City Hall. Among them was Esther Escamilla, who lives with her husband and two children west of downtown in a $466-a-month apartment slated for conversion. Her husband makes only about $600 a month buying used cars and selling the parts.
"Our whole life is rooted here," said Escamilla, 42. "My kids are used to going to the schools in the area. My husband and I love living here
The public testimony reached an apex when Hollywood resident Kerby Norris -- soon to be forced from her apartment -- tearfully pleaded "Help me!" to the council as she clutched the hand of her 9-year-old, Matthew.
The council voted 9 to 5 for the new fees, which range from $6,810 to $17,080. They all agreed the fees should be raised, but were divided because the new law would allow developers to adjust relocation fee amounts based on variables such as age, length of tenancy and income. Voting against were Greuel, Eric Garcetti, Janice Hahn, Tom LaBonge and Bill Rosendahl.
Landlords and developers had lobbied for that provision, fearing they might have to pay a high set fee to tenants who could afford to accept less.
About 61% of L.A. residents are renters, and there are about 600,000 rent-controlled units in the city. About 12,000 apartments have been converted to condos or demolished since 2001, with the Westside and the area around Studio City hardest hit. Tenant complaints reached such a pitch last year that the council agreed to look at policies that might slow the pace without discouraging development.
