FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2021
Media Contact:
Ralph Jean, 404-895-7004, rjean@saje.net,
TENANTS FILE CODE ENFORCEMENT SUIT AGAINST AGGRESSIVE LANDLORD FOR INHUMANE NEGLIGENCE AND SEVERAL CODE VIOLATIONS
Tenants announce lawsuit against abusive landlord for dilapidated slum housing, pest infestation, and inhumane living conditions
LOS ANGELES, CA – Four tenants, community organization Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), and community legal aid advocates Los Angeles Center for Community Law and Action (LACCLA), have filed a lawsuit against Ramon Rochel for negligence and forcing tenants to live in grossly deficient apartments rife with health hazards due to pest infestation from bed bugs, cockroaches, and water leaks and other hazards to structural integrity.
“A cursory inspection of 15519 Atlantic shows numerous failures by owner and management to uphold the most basic maintenance responsibilities,” said Sarah Walkowicz, representative for LACCLA and lead attorney for the plaintiffs. “Tenants have a right to safe homes. If management so casually neglects repairs we can see there’s no insurance they’re maintaining areas of the property we can’t see.”
“I’ve worked hard to make sure my family can live safely and comfortably, but there’s only so much I can do when the owners have made it their mission to make us feel unwelcome.” said Lourdes V., one of the lead plaintiffs in the case. “We can’t just pick up and find a new home. It’s important to me to do everything I can to make my family safe here, and that’s why we’re taking a stand.”
“The tenants here have been harassed constantly” said Oscar Zarate, Community Organizer for SAJE, a tenant rights organization in South Central. “The property managers aggressive tactics warrant an intervention but the numerous code violations make the living conditions an injustice”
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Since 1996, Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) has been a force for economic justice in Los Angeles. For over 20 years we have worked side-by-side with our neighbors to improve our community by advocating for tenant rights, healthy housing, and equitable development.
