Renters in Pasadena and Altadena are taking legal action against local officials, alleging negligence in addressing toxic ash contamination from the Eaton Fire that occurred in January.
The lawsuits, filed by individual renters and two tenant unions, target the city of Pasadena and the L.A. County Department of Public Health for failing to inspect rental units and enforce cleaning requirements enforced by landlords.
Previously reported by LAist, the complaints base their claims on the assertion that local officials have neglected their duty to ensure tenants have safe and habitable living conditions.
Public health officials have expressed concerns over the ash from the fire, noting that it contains harmful levels of lead.
However, when renters approached local authorities regarding the situation, they were reportedly told to seek legal representation and pursue civil actions against their landlords.
“It felt like, because we weren’t homeowners, we weren’t really being taken seriously,” stated Brenda Lyon, one of the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuits.
In addition to Lyon, the lawsuits involve the Pasadena Tenants Union and the newly formed Altadena Tenants Union, along with three other renters who allege that Pasadena officials and the L.A. County have failed to uphold their legal responsibility to enforce the habitability of housing.
As for the response from local officials, the city of Pasadena has refrained from commenting on the pending legal matters, stating via spokesperson Lisa Derderian that they have yet to be served with the lawsuit.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health has not responded to a request for comment from LAist as of the reporting time.
When Lyon and her family returned to their duplex in Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven neighborhood after the fire, they found their home heavily coated in ash and soot.
According to Lyon, when she approached her landlord about professional cleaning, she was abruptly told that no remediation would occur and that if she was dissatisfied, she could vacate the property.
Lyon described her experience of being displaced for three months, adding, “We used our own personal money” to manage the smoke damage.
Local officials have directed renters to take up their disputes with landlords in civil court rather than intervening themselves.
Earlier this year, Pasadena officials indicated to LAist that disputes related to ash in homes often result in civil cases between landlords and tenants, refusing to step in because ‘ash’ is not explicitly mentioned in the city’s building code.
Attorney Lena Silver, representing the tenants in the lawsuits, explained their goal is to secure a court order compelling local authorities to inspect rental properties and ensure compliance with standards concerning habitability in light of wildfire damage.
“No one here is seeking money — we’re seeking enforcement of the law,” remarked Silver, highlighting the potential for future wildfires in the region.
The growing confusion about responsibility for cleaning properties affected by wildfire ash remains a significant issue among tenants, landlords, and local agencies.
Initially, a code enforcement director in Los Angeles stated that tenants would bear the responsibility for cleaning ash from their units, but housing officials later reversed that statement, placing the responsibility back on landlords.
Generally, renters insurance typically covers damage to personal property, such as furniture and clothing.
However, damage to the structure itself, including walls, windows, and HVAC systems, is usually handled through landlords’ homeowners’ insurance.
Some landlords have communicated concerns that filing smoke damage claims might increase their insurance premiums, causing further reluctance to address the issue promptly.
Moreover, the inaction of some landlords has left renters in precarious situations, unable to return to their homes, thereby forcing them to incur additional temporary housing expenses while still paying rent.
Katie Clark, an organizer with the Altadena Tenants Union, noted, “We hear from families who are living in their cars and edging closer to homelessness every single day,” emphasizing the county’s silence on the issue.
As for others, some renters have had no choice but to return to units affected by smoke damage, facing serious health risks as a result.
Fortunately, Lyon’s situation improved when her landlord agreed to conduct the necessary cleaning following a demand letter from Neighborhood Legal Services.
However, Lyon recognized the importance of the lawsuits for those who lack the financial means to hire legal assistance.
She expressed the sentiment that renters should feel empowered to assert their rights under Californian law regarding the habitability of their dwellings.
Lyon concluded, “Their city should support them and say, ‘You know what, we’re going to send someone to do a check on your property, and then if your landlord doesn’t comply, we’re going to do a citation.’”
“This is why we’re here today — to protect tenants of the future.”
The lawsuits were officially filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
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