In a unanimous decision, the Los Angeles City Council has taken a significant step towards potentially prohibiting landlords from asking about the criminal history of prospective tenants. This move, known as the fair chance housing ordinance, aims to address systemic barriers faced by individuals with past criminal records when seeking housing opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of what this entails:

Overview of the Decision

• The council voted 11-0 to reactivate the motion, signaling strong support for exploring the implementation of the fair chance housing ordinance.
• Notably, Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilman Curren Price recused themselves from the vote, while members Katy Yaroslavsky and Monica Rodriguez were absent.
• If enacted, the ordinance would prohibit landlords from inquiring about or requiring disclosure of an applicant’s criminal history during the housing application process.
• Furthermore, landlords would be barred from using such information to automatically reject an applicant.

Precedents in Other Cities

• The proposed ordinance aligns with similar measures already in place in cities like Oakland and Berkeley in California.
• These ordinances include specific exceptions for certain housing situations, such as owner-occupied units or shared living arrangements.

Implications for Prospective Renters

• One key aspect of the potential Los Angeles law is the inclusion of a private right of action for prospective renters.
• This means that individuals who believe they have faced discrimination based on their criminal record could pursue legal action against landlords.
• Such provisions aim to ensure fair treatment for all applicants, regardless of their past involvement with the criminal justice system.

Support for the Initiative

• The motion, originally introduced by Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Mike Bonin, emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to housing for individuals with criminal histories.
• According to the motion, these individuals often encounter significant challenges in securing housing due to the use of criminal background checks by landlords.
• Advocates argue that policies like the fair chance housing ordinance are necessary to promote equity and opportunity for all residents.

What Comes Next

• The motion will now advance to the council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee for further consideration.
• This marks a crucial phase in the legislative process, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input and address any concerns before potential implementation.

Conclusion: Advancing Equity in Housing

The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to explore the implementation of a fair chance housing ordinance reflects a commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity in housing access. As the initiative progresses through the legislative process, it has the potential to positively impact the lives of individuals with past criminal histories by providing them with a fair opportunity to secure housing. City News Service contributed to this report.

For more local news and updates, download The Local News App today.

Source