EL MONTE : Senator Urges Law to Boost Renters’ Security
A state senator urged her colleagues Thursday to pass legislation that would require landlords to make their buildings safer in an effort to reduce tenants’ exposure to violent crime.
“We gather to tell a gruesome tale of terrorism afflicted (on) California’s most vulnerable populations each and every day,” said Sen. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte). “Right now, renters across the state are at greater risk of rape, robbery and assault than homeowners.”
The most vulnerable tenants, she said, are single mothers who are alone with their children.
The bill, which will be heard before the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 9, would instruct landlords statewide to provide deadbolt door locks, window locks and exterior lighting in rental units.
Solis said many apartments lack the “most basic security protection” because landlords are not mandated to provide it.
“It sickens me that some landlords would rather save a few dollars than save whole communities from violence,” Solis said at a Los Angeles City Hall news conference attended by Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg and members of the Campaign for Renters’ Rights.
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