Eviction Ordinance Targets Drug Dealers

People who deal drugs in rented apartments or houses can be evicted by their landlords under an emergency ordinance passed by the Gardena City Council.

Following the lead of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which passed a similar ordinance last month, the council voted 4 to 0 in favor of the measure that permits landlords to evict tenants for selling drugs.

A landlord would be required to seek eviction of such tenants after a request by the Police Department, the district attorney or the city attorney. Landlords failing to seek eviction of drug-dealing tenants within 60 days face fines of up to $5,000.