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Understanding Ellis Act Eviction East Hollywood: A Tenant’s Guide (2025)
Hey there, East Hollywood renters! 👋 Dealing with an Ellis Act eviction notice can be overwhelming, but knowledge is power. This guide breaks down what the Ellis Act is, how it affects tenants in East Hollywood, and what your rights are if you’re facing eviction. Let’s dive in!
What Is the Ellis Act? 🏢
The Ellis Act is a California state law (Government Code sections 7060-7060.7) passed in 1985 that allows landlords to evict tenants from rent-controlled units if they plan to “go out of the rental business.”
While it was originally meant to help small “mom and pop” landlords retire, nowadays it’s often used as a tool for real estate speculation, especially in rapidly changing neighborhoods like East Hollywood. Landlords must withdraw pursuant to the legal obligations set forth by the Ellis Act, which include notifying tenants and the Department about their intentions. These actions are pursuant to the specific legal requirements outlined in the Act.
The requirements set by the Ellis Act include specific notifications, documentation, and procedural obligations that landlords are required to fulfill when they intend to withdraw or demolish rental units.
The Ellis Act permits landlords to:
- Remove all rental units in a building from the market
- Evict all tenants, even those in rent-controlled units
- Convert the property to condominiums or other non-rental use
- Redevelop the property after a waiting period
These provisions ensure that landlords follow a regulated process, protecting tenant rights during the withdrawal or demolition of rental units.
How Ellis Act Affects East Hollywood 🏙️
East Hollywood has been hit particularly hard by Ellis Act evictions, with hundreds of rental units withdrawn from the market since 2000. Many of these buildings remain empty for up to five years or are demolished. This neighborhood, with its large Latinx and Asian population, has seen significant displacement as property values rise and development pressure increases.
Families are actively seeking affordable housing options amidst long-term displacement.
Some key facts about Ellis Act impacts in East Hollywood:
- More than 460 evictions have occurred in East Hollywood since 2000
- Many evicted buildings remain empty for years or are demolished
- Affordable housing stock is steadily decreasing
- Working-class families are being pushed out of the neighborhood
- New developments often feature luxury units at market rates
The neighborhoods located in East Hollywood have been particularly affected by these evictions, leading to a loss of cultural history and community.
New developments often feature luxury units at market rates, replacing the historically occupied housing with non-RSO apartments.
Additionally, certain communities, such as Black and Hispanic households, are disproportionately affected by these evictions.
The majority of these evictions are utilized as speculation tools by real estate investors rather than for the intended purpose of helping small landlords, exacerbating the socioeconomic consequences faced by marginalized communities.
Your Rights Under the Ellis Act đź“ť
If you receive an Ellis Act eviction notice, you DO have rights! The City of Los Angeles has added protections beyond the state requirements:
Notice Requirements
- Regular tenants must receive at least 120 days’ notice, which must be delivered either by personal delivery or by sending the notice via first-class mail.
- An affected tenant receiving this notice has specific rights, including the right to be informed about the implications of their lease agreements during the withdrawal process.
- older people tenants (62+) or disabled tenants who have lived in their unit for at least one year are entitled to a full year’s notice
Relocation Assistance
- Landlords MUST provide financial relocation assistance
- The amount varies depending on factors like:
- How long you’ve lived there
- Your income level
- Whether you’re older people, disabled, or have children
- The size of your unit
Right of Return
- If your building returns to the rental market within 5 years, you have the “right of first refusal” to return for a five year period.
- For the first 5 years, the rent would be what you were previously paying plus allowed annual increases. Landlords must file property status reports for a set duration or until the Department confirms satisfaction of these obligations, whichever occurs first.
- For years 5-10, the landlord can charge market rates but must still offer units to former tenants first
Warning Signs of an Ellis Act Eviction ⚠️
Be on the lookout for these signs that your building might be targeted:
- Building ownership changes hands
- New owners make minimal repairs
- Management becomes less responsive
- Other tenants mention receiving buyout offers
- “For Sale” signs appear
- Surveyors or inspectors start visiting regularly
What to Do If You Receive an Ellis Act Eviction Notice 🚨
- Don’t panic, but act quickly! Time limits apply to your rights.
- Check if the notice is valid. It must contain specific information and be properly served.
- Contact tenant advocacy groups like the LA Tenants Union or legal aid organizations.
- Document everything. Keep copies of all notices, correspondence, and take photos of your unit’s condition.
- Know your relocation rights. Make sure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to, based on the rent paid by tenants affected by the withdrawal notice.
Landlords have financial obligations under the Ellis Act, including penalties that must be paid if the property remains vacant and ensuring that evicted tenants can return at the same rent they previously paid.
- Consider your options:
- Challenge the eviction if there are errors in the process
- Negotiate for more time or higher relocation payments
- Begin seeking new housing within your budget
- Stay connected with neighbors who are also being evicted. Group action is often more effective.
FAQs About Ellis Act Evictions 🤔
Can I fight an Ellis Act eviction?
While you can’t stop a properly executed Ellis Act eviction entirely, you can challenge it if the landlord doesn’t follow proper procedures. Many Ellis Act notices contain errors that can buy you more time or even invalidate the eviction.
How much relocation money will I receive?
For 2025, relocation amounts in Los Angeles range from approximately $9,000 to $22,000 depending on factors like your age, income, disability status, and how long you’ve lived in your unit. Qualified tenants (older people, disabled, families with children) typically receive higher amounts.
Can my landlord evict just me while keeping other tenants?
No! The Ellis Act requires landlords to remove ALL rental units in the building from the market. If your landlord is only targeting certain tenants, this is not a valid Ellis Act eviction.
What happens if my landlord re-rents my unit after evicting me?
If your landlord returns units to the rental market within 5 years, they must:
- Offer the unit back to you first
- Rent it at your previous controlled rate (for the first 5 years), after which it can be rented at market rate
- Pay damages if they failed to offer you the right to return
During the right of return period, existing tenancy can be significantly impacted, with specific protections in place to extend tenancy for certain vulnerable groups.
Can my landlord offer me money to move out instead of doing an Ellis Act eviction?
Yes, this is called a “cash for keys” buyout. You are NOT required to accept it. Sometimes negotiating can result in a better offer, but consult with a tenant advocate before signing anything.
Does the Ellis Act override Los Angeles rent control?
Yes. The Ellis Act is a state law, referenced under various government code sections, that allows landlords to exit the rental business even in cities with rent control, like Los Angeles. The rent stabilization ordinance in Los Angeles outlines specific provisions related to the demolition of rental units and the processes landlords must follow when withdrawing units from rental housing use.
Can my landlord use the Ellis Act to evict me and then immediately convert to an Airbnb?
No. Using the Ellis Act to convert to short-term rentals is illegal. If you discover your former unit is being used as an Airbnb after an Ellis eviction, report it to the Los Angeles Housing Department immediately.
Resources for Ellis Act Tenants đź“ž
Legal Help and Advocacy
- LA Tenants Union: Organizing support and education
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: Free legal services for low-income tenants
- SAJE (Strategic Actions for a Just Economy): Tenant rights organization
- Coalition for Economic Survival: Tenant organizing and advocacy
Government Resources
- Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD): Oversees rent stabilization and Ellis Act compliance
- LA City Council Housing Committee: Policy oversight for housing issues
- Housing Rights Center: Fair housing enforcement and education
East Hollywood-Specific Support
- East Hollywood Neighborhood Council: Local advocacy and resources
- Thai Community Development Center: Assistance for tenants in Thai Town area
- Little Armenia Housing Rights Group: Support for Armenian residents
Final Thoughts đź’
Ellis Act evictions continue to reshape East Hollywood, often at the expense of long-term, working-class residents. Enacted by the California legislature in 1985, the Ellis Act has given landlords significant power to evict tenants and withdraw properties from the rental market. This has had a profound impact on families and communities, leading to the loss of homes and the disruption of long-standing neighborhoods.
Ownership changes also play a crucial role, as new owners often utilize the Ellis Act to evict tenants, further destabilizing housing for long-term residents. For example, the new owner of a long-term East Hollywood apartment used the Ellis Act to evict a 93-year-old woman, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions.
Tenant rights are also affected by whether rental units are occupied or vacant. Landlords must notify the Department of their intentions to withdraw or demolish rental units, regardless of their occupancy status, which impacts the notification process and tenants’ rights. Efforts are ongoing to prevent landlords from exploiting the Ellis Act for profit rather than genuine business closure, aiming to balance landlords’ rights with the need for affordable housing.
The rental market business is heavily influenced by the Ellis Act, which allows landlords to exit the rental market and evict tenants. However, this law does not prevent landlords from re-entering the rental business after eviction, raising concerns about potential exploitative practices.
Remember: You’re not alone, and there are people fighting to protect tenants’ rights throughout Los Angeles. Stay informed, get organized with your neighbors, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you receive an eviction notice.
Note: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change frequently, so always consult with a qualified tenant attorney or advocate about your specific situation.
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