It’s certainly shocking when a building collapses on its tenants, but here at SAJE we weren’t all that surprised when it happened. Sad? Yes. But not surprised.

You see, the building is owned by Frank McHugh, a notorious landlord that we have been watching for the past two years. In that time SAJE has been working with tenants in his buildings, documenting their conditions, and making repeated requests for repairs.

His practices of taking rent and making shoddy or "mickey mouse" repairs to his buildings have created worlds of pain for decent people who don't have a lot of affordable housing choices.

The 8,000 people who live in more than 170 McHugh-owned buildings throughout Los Angeles have had to deal with rats, roaches, plumbing problems, molds, lead paint, and so much more. And now, a building that McHugh owns has literally FALLEN DOWN on the people living inside. The sad fact is that this building PASSED a city code inspection last May.

We know the City of LA can do better, and the residents of LA deserve better.

We need your voice and your support to help us make sure that LA residents don’t have to live in any more dangerous conditions.

Support our campaign for safe housing and ensure that McHugh’s buildings are cleaned up. Join our mailing list to receive updates and action alerts, or make a donation in support of the campaign.

Media Coverage

Housing activists question how a building in compliance could collapse.

Collapsed building's owner had been convicted of fire, housing violations.

Children of the candy corn.

Tricky call on Downtown landlord. 

Photos and Video