“Owners Are Very Scared:” Tensions Boil to the Surface in California Rent Strike Call

Real Estate Partner Karl Lott was cited in an article in The Real Deal about the anxieties facing landlords as May rent is due and tenants go on strike. The rift between owners and their residents was on display during a national rent strike Zoom call where California tenants indicated that unprecedented coronavirus-related measures – including a statewide suspension of eviction proceedings, and L.A. County prohibition of evictions – do not go far enough. Many landlords are scared about meeting their financial obligations as a result of the strikes. Just because they own their property doesn't mean they aren't living month to month. Landlords with less than a dozen rental units are experiencing high anxiety.

For landlords facing such a situation, “There’s not a lot you can do right now,” said Mr. Lott. While the Judicial Council suspended eviction proceedings, there’s nothing preventing a landlord from getting the process started by sending an eviction notice. Mr. Lott advises clients to make sure, "you don't write an overly harsh notice that can be sent to the press."

READ: “Owners Are Very Scared:” Tensions Boil to the Surface in California Rent Strike Call