The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 3 approved most parts of a package to modify administration of the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP) while sending two elements to committee for further development.

Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, introducing the motion after several public speakers and tenant-advocacy organizations testified, said the changes restore outreach and tenant-advocate services that the city previously funded. "There is no veto by the tenants," Goldberg told the council, adding that advocacy groups are intended to help tenants understand rights and to point out violations inspectors may have missed.

Public testimony came from tenant-advocacy groups (including Inquilinos Unidos and LA Center for Law and Justice), the Los Angeles Housing Law Project, and property-owner groups including the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles. Supporters said tenant advocates reduce intimidation and improve enforcement in buildings where tenants may have limited English or be fearful of landlords. Opponents, including some property owners and developers, warned that additional steps could delay sign-off on rehabs and could discourage investment.

The motion approved by the council on the floor authorized items 1, 3 and 5 of Goldberg’s package forthwith and sent items 2 (the proposed $25 per-unit stipend mechanics) and 4 (process clarifications and timing) to committee for study. Housing Department General Manager Gary Penny told the council the $25 stipend historically had been part of the program and that the department is now keeping detailed pictorial inspection files. Penny said staffing and funding questions remain and the city attorney was reviewing potential conflicts.

The council recorded a 10-aye vote on the motion to approve the main package and to refer items 2 and 4 to committee. Council members asked for a report back on item 3 (temporary processing pause for removals from REAP until tenant contractors are deployed) in 30–60 days.