UPDATE: The Lemon Grove City Council has just passed an urgent ordinance aimed at bolstering tenant protections, responding to escalating concerns from local renters. In a decisive vote of 4-1 on Tuesday, council members approved temporary measures that grant tenants 120 days to vacate their homes in cases of “no-fault” evictions and increase relocation assistance requirements.
This critical legislation comes as residents of the Serra Grove apartment complex have voiced alarm over their new landlord’s renovation tactics, which they claim are designed to displace long-term tenants and re-list units at inflated prices. The urgency ordinance reflects a growing crisis, as over 20 residents attended the council meeting to support this protective measure, emphasizing the human impact of the ongoing situation.
The $14 million purchase of the 64-unit Serra Grove complex by Phoenix-based Orsett Serra Grove has led to eviction notices being issued since January 2023. Tenants were informed that they had just 60 days to find new housing due to supposed renovations. Many tenants reported receiving notices that required them to move out, leading to fears of homelessness among vulnerable populations, including seniors.
Mayor Alysson Snow, who introduced the ordinance, stated, “This is happening throughout the community; substantial renovation is just one of the issues.” Her initiative aims to provide immediate relief while the council deliberates on a more permanent solution. The ordinance’s provisions also include enhanced relocation assistance, mandating landlords to offer affected tenants assistance of one month’s rent plus one month of fair market rent. Vulnerable groups, such as disabled, senior, and low-income tenants, will receive double the relocation assistance.
While the urgency ordinance is set to expire in 180 days, it does not apply retroactively, leaving many current Serra Grove tenants without immediate aid. However, the council plans to meet in closed session with the city attorney to explore potential legal actions to protect those already facing eviction.
Some council members expressed reservations during the session. Councilmember Seth Smith voted against the initial proposal, arguing that it needed further refinement and that it was rushed through without thorough consideration. “State law has oversight in it,” Smith remarked, reinforcing the need for more careful crafting of tenant protection measures.
As the city prepares for public workshops to gather community input on a long-term tenants’ rights ordinance, the urgency of the situation remains palpable. The new ordinance aims to ensure that residents are not unfairly displaced from their homes, addressing a critical need for stable housing in the Lemon Grove area.
Residents and advocates are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in upcoming discussions, as the city takes steps to solidify protections for its vulnerable renters. The urgency ordinance represents a significant move towards safeguarding tenant rights, but the ongoing developments underscore the necessity for continued vigilance in the face of potential displacement.
