BREAKING: The Lemon Grove City Council has just passed an urgency ordinance aimed at dramatically strengthening tenant protections in the city. On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the council voted 4-1 to adopt this crucial measure, which grants tenants 120 days to vacate their homes in cases of “no-fault” evictions and boosts relocation assistance requirements.
The decision comes amid rising tensions at the Serra Grove apartment complex, where residents have expressed concerns over their new landlord’s attempts to push out long-term renters. Reports indicate that tenants have received eviction notices with claims of necessary renovations, prompting fears that their homes will be re-rented at double the current rates. Over 20 residents rallied in support of stronger protections at the council meeting, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Mayor Alysson Snow emphasized the widespread nature of the issue, stating, “This is happening throughout the community; substantial renovation is just one of the issues.” The California Tenant Protection Act, enacted in 2019, already provides certain protections, but Snow noted that renovations at Serra Grove could proceed without displacing tenants.
The urgency ordinance mandates that landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month’s current rent plus one month of fair market rent for all affected tenants. Vulnerable groups, including disabled, senior, and low-income renters, are entitled to two months of fair market rent. However, it is important to note that this ordinance will not be retroactive, meaning it will not assist those already served eviction notices at Serra Grove.
The 64-unit apartment complex was acquired in November 2022 for $14 million by Orsett Serra Grove, a Phoenix-based company. Following the acquisition, tenants began receiving eviction notices as early as January 2023, giving them 60 days to relocate. Some residents have reported they were informed of upcoming notices, intensifying fears of imminent displacement.
Despite the urgency of the situation, not all council members were on board with the initial proposal. Councilmember Seth Smith voiced concerns about rushing the legislation, arguing that state law offers sufficient oversight. He, along with Councilmembers Jessyka Heredia and Yadira Altamirano, opposed the original draft, prompting Mayor Snow to introduce the urgency ordinance instead.
The newly adopted ordinance will remain in effect for 180 days, during which city officials plan to hold public workshops for community input on a permanent tenant rights ordinance. The council also intends to meet in closed session to discuss potential legal action regarding the previously issued eviction notices.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and participate in upcoming workshops to advocate for their rights. This urgent measure reflects a growing recognition of the need for tenant protections in Lemon Grove as housing concerns escalate across the region. The city’s swift action may set a precedent for similar initiatives in other areas grappling with housing instability.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the council continues to address tenant rights and housing issues in Lemon Grove.
