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Council Member Kevin Riley introduces resolution to hold negligent landlords accountable for fire-related tenant displacement
1:09:16
ยท
114 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley introduces Resolution 802, which aims to hold landlords accountable for providing temporary housing and financial support to tenants displaced by fires caused by landlord negligence. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council Members Juan and Sanchez, and it seeks to create incentives for landlords to prioritize fire prevention and maintain safe living conditions.
- The resolution was prompted by a recent fire at 2910 Wallace Avenue, caused by landlord negligence.
- It applies only in cases of proven negligence, not unforeseen accidents.
- The measure aims to protect tenants, reinforce responsible ownership, and prevent homelessness due to landlord negligence.
Kevin Riley
1:09:16
Thank you, majority leader.
1:09:18
On January tenth of this year, the residents at 2910 Wallace Avenue experienced the worst horrific fire, that we've seen in my district recently, and it was due to negligence from a 2015 worst landlord by then public advocate, Tisha James, who has vetted Parcas.
1:09:38
This is why today I'm introducing a resolution, with council member Juan and council member Sanchez, resolution eight zero two which takes a critical step forward to ensuring that tenants displaced by fires caused by landlord negligence are not left without alternative housing or financial support.
1:09:56
Property ownership comes with responsibility and when a landlord is found at fault, they must be held accountable.
1:10:02
If their failure to maintain safe living conditions leads to a fire, they, not the tenants, not the city, should bear the financial responsibility for temporary relocation.
1:10:13
This measure is not about punishing responsible landlords, it's about assuring basic safety, preventing displacement, and reinforcing accountability.
1:10:21
It creates an incentive for landlords to prioritize fire prevention, reducing risk for tenants, and easing the strain of emergency housing services.
1:10:30
Ultimately, preventive maintenance is more cost effective than facing relocation liabilities.
1:10:36
I also wanna be clear, this applies only in cases of proven negligence, not on force not excuse me, not unforeseen accidents.
1:10:44
Our goal is to simply to protect tenants, reinforce responsible ownership, and ensure no family is left homeless like the residents at 2910 Wallace Avenue due to a landlord's failure to act.
1:10:56
I want to thank my colleagues, council member Julie Juan and Perina Sanchez for their leadership on this issue.
1:11:02
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution so we can advance it to the state legislature and strengthen protection for tenants across our city.
1:11:10
Thank you.