News In Brief : Rent Escrow Plan OKd

Without discussion or public protest, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday adopted a plan allowing renters to funnel their monthly payments into an escrow account if their landlords fail to make needed repairs.

The unanimously adopted plan will require landlords of apartment buildings cited as unsafe or substandard by the Building and Safety Department to make immediate repairs if they lose an appeal of their citations. If the landlords refuse, renters may pay into the escrow accounts.

The plan also penalizes landlords by charging them administrative fees and barring them from passing the added costs on to their tenants.

Under an amendment proposed by City Council President John Ferraro, the plan also may allow renters to reduce their rents if repairs are not made in a timely fashion.