Supervisor Kathryn Barger has voiced her strong opposition to a motion passed by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to extend and expand emergency renter eviction protections through 2023.
“The bottom line is public health experts are advising that we are not going to have to return to measures that restrict people from being able to work,” Barger stated. “By voting to continue the eviction moratorium, we are legislating for the exception, not the norm. We are creating rules purely in anticipation of a scenario that is highly unlikely. This is bad policy.”
She noted the current 78 percent full vaccination rate among L.A. County residents, the availability of boosters and the widespread opening of all economic sectors as proof that the County is “effectively living with COVID-19.” Barger also cited the upcoming 2022 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, which is expected to bring in considerable local revenue, as proof that the County has achieved a level of normalcy and should not impose emergency economic protections.
Community based “mom and pop” property owners also expressed their dismay and frustration with the County’s decision to extend the eviction moratorium.
“No other business sector has been forced to do what we’ve had to do for almost two years now – renters don’t even have to present any proof of financial hardship,” said Diane Robertson, co-founder of the Coalition of Small Rental Property Owners. “The decision to extend this moratorium totally disregards us landlords who are just like our renters. We live in the same communities, many times in the same rental properties. We rely on our rental income to live. What kind of protections and support are available to us?”
Barger read in a separate motion in response to the Board’s extension of the eviction moratorium, co-authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn, to offer landlords financial support. The motion explores the feasibility of forgiving property tax payments for landlords who are unable to collect rent from tenants. “It has become clear to me that our County does not have enough skin in this game,” Barger said. “This Board is asking landlords to shoulder a burden for those who have been impacted by COVID-19. We should also be willing to bear the same burden.”
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9 Comments
This so bad, I have not received rent in almost 2 years! I work 2 jobs to pay for someone else to live free. How can the county make me the one paying when they are not willing to give up anything. I pay my taxes too. I have signed up for the renters releif but they are so slow it has not come through. I have also paid for all the utilities as they are all in my name, still no help. For 2 years and now they say 1 more year I am paying for a single man to live free!
Property owners of private homes and apts are unable to recoup lost rents. This is enabling and producing another way to not be responsible. Many have received state aide and grants, let’s move back to normal.
Wish I was a renter. 2 more years for FREE!
Thank you Kathryn Barger!!
Good for Ms. Barger! Too bad the others don’t have the good sense to realize the real impact this has on landlords. As manager of a mobile home community, if we can’t raise our space rents, we can’t maintain the property for our residents. Our cost to operate have gone up considerably and not allowing us to increase the rents even minimally, as we have always done, it is detrimental to the residents. Thank you Ms. Barger.
If Kathern Barger is reading this , I would ask that she introduce a motion to reverse this vote. What kind of thoughtless supervisors have the citizens of LA voted into office? Remember this vote at the next election. Ms. Barger has my vote.
Dear Ms Barger,
Finally someone had the good sense to see how this is impacting small owners!!!
I’m a retired teacher who depends on this rental income to supplement my retirement! Frankly, I am very upset about the position we have been shoved into. I have worked very hard all my life as a single parent.
Now, all I have are bills to pay including taxes, utilities, repairs, student loans etc . I, unlike the tenants, do have to prove I need the help, I can’t “self-certify”.
I was the first one to apply for rental assistance for my tenants.
I haven’t received a penny yet. All I get is that they are way behind!! That doesn’t work when I can’t pay my taxes!!
I ask any of the other board members… Do you have to go without Your income? Why does it fall on our shoulders to subsidize tenants who don’t have to have proof of hardship?
I can understand a few months, but almost two years!!!!
What gives our government power to rob us of our hard earned money? When do WE get protection?
I believe what is going on simply gives some people the excuse not to be a responsible and honest citizen.
I thank you Ms Barger for your insightful comments!
To no one’s surprise more than a few of the supervisors are themselves renters! Thanks spectrum news for interviewing them about this extension. I’ve got one house,I did get one payment,now they are approved for more since November..where’s my money?
I am an owner, who is mentally ill and also lives in the same small triplex as non paying tenants… one of whom shares a place with two others, who she is collecting rent from and not only does she not pay rent, but as the owner I have to pay for everybody’s water. I have not been able to pay property taxes or insurance. It’s so sad, that after paying taxes on time for over a decade, that I am being treated this way, in my own county and country. Such a disregard for struggling landlords and the mentally ill.