Housing Rentals

More than four years after torrential rains inundated their homes, 24 former residents of an Encino apartment complex were awarded nearly half a million dollars this week by a jury that found their landlord did not properly fix the mess. After a three-week trial in Van Nuys, the former tenants on Thursday were awarded a total of $492,220 for property damage and emotional distress that stemmed from heavy rains in February, 1991. Individual awards ranged from $7,500 to $45,000, said V.

For decades, Santa Monica has allowed developers to add floors to their buildings or exceed other zoning restrictions in exchange for providing affordable housing to poor and moderate-income tenants. Such was the case with Dorchester House, a luxury condominium low-rise just blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Almost three decades ago, the city approved a development plan in which 15 first-floor units were earmarked as affordable housing. But as real estate attorney Stanley Epstein learned recently, the city has done little to enforce these agreements.

More than four years after torrential rains inundated their homes, 24 former residents of an Encino apartment complex were awarded nearly half a million dollars this week by a jury that found their landlord did not properly fix the mess. After a three-week trial in Van Nuys, the former tenants were awarded on Thursday a total of $492,220 for property damage and emotional distress that stemmed from heavy rains in February, 1991. Individual awards ranged from $7,500 to $45,000, said V.

Each day after work, university professor Jeanne Grier embarks on a commute most Southern Californians would envy. Exactly 952 steps from Grier's office at Cal State Channel Islands is the front door of her new home in the University Glen housing project, tucked into a cactus-studded canyon at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, where deer, coyotes and jack rabbits outnumber people.

Downey Municipal Court is one of four in the state that is participating in a new pilot program to speed evictions through court. Under the program, which started this week, delinquent tenants fighting eviction will have about two weeks to deposit a half-month's rent with the court during a special hearing if they wish to fight their eviction in a trial.

A Thousand Oaks councilwoman, working with a citizens committee, has drafted an ordinance that would prevent landlords from overcrowding single-family homes with renters. Under the plan, at least 90 square feet of bedroom space would have to be set aside for each occupant, according to the proposal that Councilwoman Elois Zeanah helped draft. Landlords also would be required to register all rentals with the city and provide the names of renters.

Stephanya inherited a rundown house from her grandmother. A real estate agent told her it would sell quickly for $229,000. But it needed repairs. Instead of selling, Stephanya decided to rent the house to her brother, Ronny, in exchange for $500 a month rent and his promise to repair the house. In May 1992, Ronny moved into the house with his girlfriend and their child. But that December they decided to move out.

For decades, Santa Monica has allowed developers to add floors to their buildings or exceed other zoning restrictions in exchange for providing affordable housing to poor and moderate-income tenants. Such was the case with Dorchester House, a luxury condominium low-rise just blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Almost three decades ago, the city approved a development plan in which 15 first-floor units were earmarked as affordable housing. But as real estate attorney Stanley Epstein learned recently, the city has done little to enforce these agreements.

The City Council gave tentative approval Tuesday to an ordinance aimed at preventing the conversion of guest houses into apartments. The ordinance must also be approved at a second reading next month before becoming law. The ordinance clarifies what guest houses are and establishes a clearer process for approving their construction. It amends zoning regulations to limit guest houses to areas of not more than three rooms, including a bathroom.

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved the most comprehensive housing reform in Los Angeles history, creating a program of periodic apartment inspections that will be funded by a $1 monthly fee to be paid by renters. The 11-1 vote came seven months after the council had approved in principle a wide-ranging anti-slum plan. The $8-million program should allow the city to inspect all 700,000 rental units in the city within three years.

Stephanya inherited a rundown house from her grandmother. A real estate agent told her it would sell quickly for $229,000. But it needed repairs. Instead of selling, Stephanya decided to rent the house to her brother, Ronny, in exchange for $500 a month rent and his promise to repair the house. In May 1992, Ronny moved into the house with his girlfriend and their child. But that December they decided to move out.

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved the most comprehensive housing reform in Los Angeles history, creating a program of periodic apartment inspections that will be funded by a $1 monthly fee to be paid by renters. The 11-1 vote came seven months after the council had approved in principle a wide-ranging anti-slum plan. The $8-million program should allow the city to inspect all 700,000 rental units in the city within three years.

Downey Municipal Court is one of four in the state that is participating in a new pilot program to speed evictions through court. Under the program, which started this week, delinquent tenants fighting eviction will have about two weeks to deposit a half-month's rent with the court during a special hearing if they wish to fight their eviction in a trial.

More than four years after torrential rains inundated their homes, 24 former residents of an Encino apartment complex were awarded nearly half a million dollars this week by a jury that found their landlord did not properly fix the mess. After a three-week trial in Van Nuys, the former tenants on Thursday were awarded a total of $492,220 for property damage and emotional distress that stemmed from heavy rains in February, 1991. Individual awards ranged from $7,500 to $45,000, said V.

More than four years after torrential rains inundated their homes, 24 former residents of an Encino apartment complex were awarded nearly half a million dollars this week by a jury that found their landlord did not properly fix the mess. After a three-week trial in Van Nuys, the former tenants were awarded on Thursday a total of $492,220 for property damage and emotional distress that stemmed from heavy rains in February, 1991. Individual awards ranged from $7,500 to $45,000, said V.

City Councilman George T. Deitch was cited last fall for maintaining substandard housing at one of his Bell Gardens complexes and then failed to correct many of the deficiencies for months, according to county health officials. Health inspectors said they found that a five-unit complex owned by Deitch and his wife, Vivian, was infested with cockroaches and rodents, lacked windows and screens, and had unsafe wiring. Some units also had holes in the walls and leaky drainpipes, inspectors said.

Each day after work, university professor Jeanne Grier embarks on a commute most Southern Californians would envy. Exactly 952 steps from Grier's office at Cal State Channel Islands is the front door of her new home in the University Glen housing project, tucked into a cactus-studded canyon at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, where deer, coyotes and jack rabbits outnumber people.

City Councilman George T. Deitch was cited last fall for maintaining substandard housing at one of his Bell Gardens complexes and then failed to correct many of the deficiencies for months, according to county health officials. Health inspectors said they found that a five-unit complex owned by Deitch and his wife, Vivian, was infested with cockroaches and rodents, lacked windows and screens, and had unsafe wiring. Some units also had holes in the walls and leaky drainpipes, inspectors said.

The City Council gave tentative approval Tuesday to an ordinance aimed at preventing the conversion of guest houses into apartments. The ordinance must also be approved at a second reading next month before becoming law. The ordinance clarifies what guest houses are and establishes a clearer process for approving their construction. It amends zoning regulations to limit guest houses to areas of not more than three rooms, including a bathroom.

A Thousand Oaks councilwoman, working with a citizens committee, has drafted an ordinance that would prevent landlords from overcrowding single-family homes with renters. Under the plan, at least 90 square feet of bedroom space would have to be set aside for each occupant, according to the proposal that Councilwoman Elois Zeanah helped draft. Landlords also would be required to register all rentals with the city and provide the names of renters.