A new ordinance passed by Oakland City Council requires owners of multi-unit residential properties with elevators to maintain elevator accessibility for tenants whose disabilities prevent them from using staircases. Owners must properly maintain elevators and complete repairs within 24 hours wherever possible. If repairs cannot be completed within 24 hours, owners must provide alternative accessible temporary housing for tenants with mobility disabilities. The ordinance also allows tenants to sue owners for noncompliance and recover attorney fees.
On July 15, 2024, DREDF submitted a public comment in support of the proposed legislation, highlighting the difficulties faced by tenants with mobility disabilities in securing accessible housing and the harms experienced by tenants living in buildings with inadequate elevator maintenance and repairs. The ordinance was passed July 30, 2024, and will take effect on December 15, 2024. You can learn more about the ordinance on the Oakland City Attorney’s website.