West Hollywood : Costs Go Up in Some Evictions

Landlords will be required to pay for tenant counseling services, in addition to relocation fees, in cases involving so-called “no-fault” evictions under a change in West Hollywood’s rent control ordinance approved Tuesday.

The City Council voted 4 to 1 to approve the change, which was not debated. Councilman Steve Schulte cast the dissenting vote.

The amended ordinance calls for the city to contract with a social service agency to provide relocation counseling for tenants evicted through no fault of their own and to pass along the cost to landlords.

Under the ordinance, evicted tenants who qualify will receive a packet of information about moving companies, management companies and alternative housing, in addition to personal counseling services. Landlords will be charged $200 in most instances and $300 in cases involving senior citizens and families with children in need of special services, said Richard Dorsey Muller, director of the city’s Department of Rent Stabilization.