City Council

(22) 22-0178 HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the implementation of an Ordinance that will require greater transparency for tenant utility bills. Recommendation for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Raman – Koretz – Bonin): lNSTRUCT the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), with the assistance of the City Attorney, to report to the Council within 60 days with recommendations for the implementation of an Ordinance that will require greater transparency for tenant utility bills. The report should include recommendations for the following: An Ordinance that will require landlords and third-party billing agencies to provide a detailed written disclosure of the methodology used to allocate utility charges to each tenant. Any restrictions and regulations for the billing of utility services outside a tenant’s primary unit, including for common areas of buildings. A protocol for tenants and landlords to resolve disputes over utility charges, with the possibility of the LAHD as a mediator. Options for enforcement strategies to ensure compliance, including but not limited to: an administrative enforcement program; a 60-day cure period similar to the provision of the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance; a fine schedule; a private right of action for tenants against their landlords for overcharging and violations of the Ordinance; and, mechanisms to ensure that landlords will be responsible for the actions of contracted third-party billing agencies that violate the Ordinance. Allowing low-income tenants whose utility bills are processed by private companies to take advantage of low-income utility services. Financial Policies Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report. Community Impact Statement: Yes For: North Westwood Neighborhood Council Echo Park Neighborhood Council Hermon Neighborhood Council Palms Neighborhood Council NoHo Neighborhood Council Mid-City West Neighborhood Council Community Impact Statement submitted by Mid City WEST Neighborhood Council_12-27-2022 Report from Housing Committee_10-12-22 Communication(s) from Public_10-12-2022 Communication from Councilmember Nithya Raman, 4th District - Proposed Amendments_10-12-22 Communication(s) from Public_09-24-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by NoHo Neighborhood Council_07-29-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by NoHo Neighborhood Council_07-29-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by Palms Neighborhood Council_07-22-2022 Communication(s) from Public_06-09-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by Hermon 05-07-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by Echo Park Neighborhood Council 04-28-2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by North Westwood Neighborhood Council 03-31-2022 Communication(s) from Public_03-08-2022 Motion (Raman - Koretz - Bonin) dated 2-16-22.pdf