Valley Renters Say HGTV 'Flip' Star Is Evicting Them

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY -- A group of North Hollywood renters has said that they're outraged at the threat of being evicted and displaced by HGTV reality star Tarek El Moussa for a new real estate project.

El Moussa, best known for the hit HGTV renovation series “Flip or Flop,” which he has co-hosted since 2013, launched a second show called “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa” in 2020.

Residents of the rent-controlled apartment property on Hartsook Street in North Hollywood near the Arts District said El Moussa plans to transform the nearly 100-year-old complex into a state-of-the-art residential complex. The project, called NoHo 138, would mark the biggest real estate “flip” El Moussa has ever attempted, he has said.

In a video the reality star posted on social media, which is embedded below, he shared plans to build 138 units with “super modern” decor. The building would also have a rooftop pool.

Current residents in the rent-controlled building said they've received “Ellis Act” evictions, which essentially give landlords the unconditional right to evict tenants. Relocation payments under the Ellis Act range from $10,000 to $30,000 per unit. The standard notice is 120 days and seniors or disabled tenants have up to one year to vacate.

But some residents say they have no intention of leaving until they speak with El Moussa.

The project’s website says the goal is to work closely and respectfully with the current tenants, providing proper move out compensation and ensuring the relocation is performed according to the law.

“The City of LA Housing has sent the three remaining tenants their relocation notices and we will continue to handle any potential move out agreements if desired by the existing tenants during this period of time,” the developer said.