Alameda Prosecutors Obtain $70K Settlement

Press release from the City of Alameda:

ALAMEDA, CA — The Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with an Alameda landlord to successfully resolve claims that the City’s tenant harassment laws had been violated.

City Prosecutors and the landlord, with input from the tenants, recently reached an out-of-court settlement of the enforcement action. Under this agreement, the tenant family receives $47,000 in the form of a cash payment plus credit for unpaid rent. The City receives $23,000 for civil penalties and its costs and fees. The tenants have agreed to vacate the apartment.

Under local law, landlords do have a lawful way to persuade their tenant to vacate. It is called a “buyout.” This is where the landlord pays the tenant money in exchange for giving up their tenancy. However, buyouts must be voluntary, and must follow detailed rules – including special notices, everything in writing, and filed with the City’s Rent Program. Using tenant harassment tactics to oust a tenant violates local law.

The Prosecution and Public Rights Unit, in collaboration with the Rent Program, educates the public and enforces the laws governing fair housing and consumer protection in our community.

This press release was produced by the City of Alameda. The views expressed here are the author’s own.