Will Leland Yee Stand With Tenants on Ellis Act Reform?

But as the State Senate votes next week on SB 464 that would make necessary changes to the Ellis Act, Yee has not taken a position. Last night, the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) overwhelmingly voted to endorse SB 464. Will Leland Yee join the local Democratic Party and support tenants by voting “yes” on SB 464, or will he sell out to real estate speculators?

The Ellis Act is a state law that allows landlords to evict an entire building of tenants (rather than sell the property) because they want to “go out of business.” Real estate speculators have abused this right by purchasing rental buildings with absolutely no intention of being landlords – but rather to Ellis the property, and then re-sell it at the highest bidder.

Rent-controlled properties with long-term tenants have been especially targeted for these evictions, because speculators can buy them for cheap and generate huge profits. As DCCC member Robert Haaland stated last night, his apartment building is currently being sold and the new owner may Ellis the property. The Ellis Act has ravaged San Francisco with tragic consequences, and is now hitting Los Angeles with a renewed vengeance.

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