Because of crime levels rising through the years, some cities, including Los Angeles, enacted “Crime-Free Housing” Policies requiring landlords to evict tenants accused of breaking the law. In many ways, the policy turned the Housing Providers into a quasi police force, where they couldn’t turn a blind eye to criminal elements at the properties they owned. In some communities with approved “crime-free housing”, crime was stable or falling.
These policies require landlords to evict tenants who have been accused of breaking the law. While such policies aim to address rising crime levels, they can also create challenges and potential discrimination issues. The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of these policies on people of color, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and those who have been involved in the justice system.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) cited a report from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that found significant disparities in eviction rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Black renters were almost four times more likely, and Latino renters were 29% more likely, to be evicted under the program compared to white renters.
The DOJ emphasizes that these Crime-Free Housing policies can perpetuate inequalities within the criminal justice system and replicate them in the housing system. As a result, they are urging local municipalities in California to review and potentially reconsider aspects of their Crime-Free Housing policies to ensure compliance with civil rights laws and fair housing regulations.
Assembly Bill 1418 has been introduced to ban Crime-Free Housing policies. If this bill passes, landlords would no longer be required to evict tenants accused of breaking the law or deny rental applications to individuals with prior criminal convictions.
Crime-Free Housing vs potential racial disparities… pick your battle…
If you are in the Los Angeles area, and have any questions or real estate sales or financing needs, feel free in contacting me
Ron Henderson GRI, SRES, SFR, RECS, CIAS
President/Broker
Multi Real Estate Services, Inc.
Gov’t Affairs Chair – California Association of Mortgage Professionals (2017-2018)
Chairman – OutWest Marketing Meeting (Real Estate Education)
BRE #00905793 NMLS #310358
www.mres.com
ronh@mres.com
Specialist in the Art of Real Estate Sales and Finance
Real Estate market, mortgage rates, Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Calabasas, Chatsworth
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