Landlords, Tenants to Share L.A.’s Quake Retrofit Costs

Los Angeles landlords and tenants must equally share the costs of earthquake retrofitting, under a deal approved by the City Council.

The agreement that passed unanimously this week allows building owners to pass half the retrofit costs to tenants through rent increases over a 10-year period, with a maximum increase of $38 per month.

The Los Angeles Times reported the vote comes after more than a year of studies and debate, and now allows the city to begin implementing the most sweeping mandatory seismic laws in the nation.

Last year the council passed rules affecting thousands of older wood and concrete apartment buildings vulnerable to collapse in a major quake. They include so-called soft-first-story buildings, which are typically wood-frame structures with spaces such as parking lots on the ground floor.

Related:

• Insurance Executive Sees Problems, Opportunities in L.A.’s Earthquake Law
• Los Angeles City Council Votes for Quake Retrofit on Older Buildings
• Los Angeles Mayor Backs Retrofit Tax Measure for Quake Upgrades
• Sweeping Upgrades For Quakes Proposed by Los Angeles Mayor
• 9 Percent Probability of L.A.-Area Earthquake: Study
• Paying For Quake-Proofing Buildings Weighted by Los Angeles