Los Angeles County Supervisors have green-lighted a new initiative to ensure rental housing is up to snuff, bringing a fixer-upper project to the county's numerous rental properties. On the heels of a unanimous vote, Supervisor Kathryn Barger publicly backed the Rental Housing Habitability Program — a comprehensive inspection scheme for rented homes in unincorporated territories, according to Barger's statement.
Barger expressed support for the program's goal to give renters "a safe, clean space to call home." But, she emphasized the need for fair play, "We need accountability on all sides and for all parties," she remarked. Barger's commitment was to closely monitor that inspections under the program happen as scheduled, ensuring the county fulfills its promises to tenants.
Yet, the supervisor is pushing for a balancing act, particularly about the financial pressures that will weigh on small landlords. Barger underscored her intent to keep an eye on safeguards within the program to aid struggling landlords, such as sliding scale fees and repair assistance. "I’m concerned that adding an annual inspection fee is one more financial burden they will need to shoulder," Barger said, highlighting her worries regarding the impact on mom-and-pop landlords.
The underlying concern for Barger, and many others watching the program's rollout, is the precarious ledge upon which local rental markets balance — with the potential for either a mass exit of small rental properties or their sale to large developers. "The last thing I want is for mom and pop landlords to buckle under the added financial obligations of this new program and either take their properties off the rental market or sell to large scale developers," she explained. Her vision is a rollout that combats gentrification, preserves rental units, and aligns with the needs of a region in a housing crunch.
With Barger and allies on the board keeping tabs, the Rental Housing Habitability Program is set to advance cautiously. This program could dictate the next chapter for Los Angeles' rental market dynamics — and everyone from renters to landlords to community advocates will be paying close attention.
