LA Residents React To City Council's Decision on Earthquake Retrofitting Costs

On Wednesday, January 13 the Los Angeles City Council made a 14-0 decision to have landlords and renters of earthquake-vulnerable buildings to share the costs of retrofitting 50-50.

According to city estimates, there are 13,500 “soft-story” buildings, multi-story apartments with tuck-under parking spaces, and 1,500 brittle concrete buildings that may need to comply to meet the retrofitting requirements.

Under the tentatively approved amendments, landlords are required to cap the pass-through costs at $38 per month.

We asked our readers on Facebook if they thought this was a fair deal for landlords and renters. Here’s what you said:

• “If the renters are given the percentage amount of ownership in the property, then it’s fair. Otherwise the landlord is the big winner once the renter moves out.” - Sherman Oaks

• “Retrofitting is a cost of doing business. Who knows how long a renter will rent to benefit from the retrofit? It should be a landlord’s cost since he stands to benefit from the retrofit. If the Council wishes to make it easier for the landlord, the government should offer low-cost loans or some sort of subsidy. The renter has no business being involved financially in this permanent building cost.” - Northridge

• “Nope, I don’t think sharing is fair. This cost should be borne by landlords.” - Studio City

• “No. Why should a renter assist with capital improvements?” - Highland Park

• “Nope, because the landlords reap the benefits, since they own the property.”- Sherman Oaks

• “This decision is shocking, nonsensical and inequitable. If this slanted law comes info effect, does that mean renters will get a share of future profits from renters in that building? Renting out apartments is a business. Why should renters pay for business expenses associated with running it unless they, too, get a share of that business’s profits. To a point, The City, County or Federal Government should help landlords in the event of catastrophic weakening of their buildings.” - Northridge

Have an opinion? Tell us what you think on our Brentwood Patch Facebook page.