In a notable settlement, a Santa Monica landlord has consented to pay $685,000 to resolve lawsuits accusing him of tenant harassment and discrimination, according to an announcement from the city. Coupled with the monetary compensation, the landlord is subject to a stipulated judgment and injunction stemming from three related cases.
The cases highlighted a slew of alleged misconduct by the landlord, who reportedly neglected to register tenancies at his triplex, depriving tenants of their eviction and rent control protections. His behavior escalated to harassment and intimidation, persisting even after receiving cautionary letters from the city. Moreover, the forced eviction of a family, under the pretense of owner-occupation while the property was up for sale, and the subsequent re-rental of their unit at a higher rate, added to the grievances.
The settlement agreement also details claims of retaliatory harassment toward a tenant requesting repairs and a roommate replacement. The landlord imposed rising rents and revoked amenities, worsening the situation for the tenant. Additionally, the landlord faced accusations of discriminating against an immunocompromised tenant, refusing accommodations for mold remediation in clear defiance of habitability standards.
"The City Attorney's Office strives to educate landlords about their legal obligations under Santa Monica's tenant protection laws and to gain voluntary compliance, but when a landlord adamantly refuses to comply, as was the case here, we vigorously enforce those laws," City Attorney Doug Sloan said, as stated on the city's website. The landlord's future role in residential rental property management in the city is now significantly restricted as a direct result of these legal proceedings.
Under the terms of the settlement, the landlord is compelled to adhere to all Santa Monica and California tenant protection and fair housing laws. This explicitly includes initiating a dialogue with tenants over reasonable accommodations and refraining from discriminatory practices against individuals with disabilities. A stringent penalty of $10,000 per violation will apply if the landlord violates the agreement. Furthermore, the landlord has been mandated to undergo three hours of city-approved landlord-tenant training.
Residents and landlords in Santa Monica may refer to the official city website for further information on housing protections in the area.
