VAN NUYS : Lawmaker Says Suit Will Target Registry

Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Los Angeles) announced Monday that attorneys from two law firms serving low-income people will file a lawsuit against the U. D. Registry, a Van Nuys tenant screening agency that he has accused of illegally issuing misleading information on potential renters.

A bill by Friedman, which took effect in January, prevents the U. D. Registry from reporting to landlords about pending or dismissed eviction actions. But Friedman and housing advocates say the firm is sidestepping the law by continuing to recommend the rejection of rental applications from people who have been involved in such disputes--even though the service has complied with the law by no longer reporting details to its clients.

In a news conference conducted in front of U. D. Registry’s office in an industrial area near Van Nuys Airport, Friedman said the practice amounts to blacklisting. “What this is about is fairness and following the customary credit reporting standards,” he said.

An attorney for the registry has said repeatedly that its policies are consistent with the law.