NLSLA Secures Landmark Settlement with LADWP Ending Illegal Policy That Forced Tenants to Pay Landlords’ Utility Debts
Los Angeles, CA — Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) has reached a significant settlement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), ending the Department’s unlawful practice of forcing tenants to pay their landlords’ delinquent utility bills before being allowed to open accounts in their names.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed earlier this year on behalf of Bryan James, a tenant who lived without water or power for months after LADWP refused to restore service unless he paid his landlord’s massive debt.
“This settlement makes clear what the law has always required: tenants are not responsible for their landlords’ utility bills,” said Dehsong Matheu, NLSLA Attorney. “Equally important, it compels LADWP to reform its practices, train its staff, and notify tenants of their rights so that no one else is subjected to this unlawful and harmful policy.”
“Going months without water and power—through no fault of my own—was incredibly difficult. Access to utilities is a basic human right, and being denied that was dehumanizing,” said Mr. James. “I’m relieved that DWP is correcting this injustice, and even more relieved that others will be spared from going through what I endured.”
The settlement includes:
- Policy Changes: LADWP will:
- Update its internal manuals, and training materials, to ensure compliance with state law.
- Train all customer service representatives, supervisors, and all other relevant staff to implement the policy change properly.
- Prominently post a notice on its website for two years, informing tenants of their rights and how to seek refunds.
- Include clear language in all future disconnection notices alerting tenants of their right to open accounts without paying their landlord’s past-due bills.
- Refunds for Tenants: LADWP will issue refunds to tenants who, on or after May 5, 2021, were forced to pay their landlords’ debt to obtain service.
If you are a tenant who was forced to pay your landlord’s utility debt, or if LADWP denied you service, don’t hesitate to get in touch with NLSLA at 1-866-559-1012 for assistance.
