In a significant move for the rights of disabled veterans, the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office has taken legal action against property owner Lawrence Boydston, alleging he violated housing discrimination laws by denying adaptations and income sources for veteran tenants, as reported by the city's official communication channels.
The lawsuit centers on accusations that Boydston, the landlord of a rent-controlled building, practiced discrimination against two elderly Army veteran brothers, ages 77 and 80, for refusing their Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher which would help with their rent and neglecting their request to install a chair lift for safer access between the floors of their unit, the city stands firm in defending their ordinance which includes penalties that can amass up to $10,000 per violation, according to the city's complaint filed in court.
Santa Monica’s staunch stance on anti-discrimination in housing is clear through their local ordinance, which requires landlords to allow reasonable adjustments and forbids any discrimination against tenants based on their disability or income sources, such as VASH and Section 8 vouchers. As Santa Monica's release details, Deputy City Attorney Jonathan Frank emphasized the seriousness of these violations.
Frank said, "Refusing a voucher is a form of illegal housing discrimination enforced by our office, as is refusal to grant a reasonable modification such as a chair lift for disabled tenants," as stated by the City of Santa Monica. He emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, noting that Santa Monica is prepared to take such cases to court to ensure landlords follow fair housing laws, complete required training, and, most importantly, uphold tenants’ rights—especially regarding essential modifications for people with disabilities.
The City Attorney’s Office has consistently upheld the 2015 amendment prohibiting voucher discrimination, which was reaffirmed after a legal challenge in 2017. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to ensuring affordable, safe, and stable housing for all residents and have helped more than 40 households secure homes despite initial denials. The city’s ongoing advocacy for the rights of disabled and economically disadvantaged residents is evident in both its actions and the resources it provides, including a platform for reporting voucher discrimination at www.smconsumer.org.
