Uninhabitable Conditions in Boyle Heights

Cody Recker and Jessica Perez’s experience renting a home in Boyle Heights serves as a stark reminder of the challenges tenants face when dealing with large corporate landlords. Despite the charm of the century-old house, the property was plagued with serious issues, including severe plumbing failures and structural damage.

Landlord’s Neglect and Legal Action

The couple filed a lawsuit against their landlord, Invitation Homes, citing repeated pleas for repairs that were consistently ignored. Over their ten-year tenancy, they dealt with significant problems such as:

• Raw sewage flooding the floors
• Severe infestations of mice and fleas
• A basement that flooded 14 times
• Mushrooms sprouting through the ceilings from attic leaks

Invitation Homes ultimately acknowledged the property’s poor condition in 2023 and asked the couple to vacate for necessary repairs, which never took place. The house was instead put on the market shortly after their departure.

Corporate Housing Crisis

This case is not isolated; it reflects broader issues within the rental market, particularly the practices of corporate landlords like Invitation Homes. This company, which manages over 100,000 homes across the U.S., has been involved in multiple lawsuits regarding tenant rights violations, including a $48 million settlement over undisclosed fees and illegal evictions.

“It’s really horrifying how Invitation Homes treated Recker and Perez,” stated Joseph Tobener, the couple’s attorney. “The conditions are as bad as I’ve seen in 25 years.”

The Aftermath of Their Eviction

Despite being forced out, the couple had been content with their rental arrangement, appreciating the space it offered for their film industry careers at a reasonable monthly rent of $3,362. Their attorney noted that the decision to prompt the couple’s move rather than carry out repairs indicated a strategy to maintain high property values while neglecting tenant welfare.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit initiated by Recker and Perez includes claims of negligence, wrongful eviction, tenant harassment, and breaches of contract, with a trial date scheduled for June 2026. Previously, the couple had encountered chronic flooding issues and structural deterioration that escalated over time.

A Shift in California’s Housing Policy

The recent surge of cases like that of Recker and Perez has prompted legislative responses. In March 2023, the Los Angeles City Council voted to temporarily halt eviction processes based on renovation claims, aiming to protect tenants from unjust displacement.

New Beginnings

Currently settled in a two-bedroom home in Pasadena, Recker and Perez emphasize the importance of a supportive landlord who is responsive to maintenance requests. Their experience serves as a critical commentary on the need for tenant protections in a corporatized housing market.

Conclusion

The story of Cody Recker and Jessica Perez underscores the significant hurdles renters face when navigating relationships with large corporations in the housing market. As the debate around tenant rights continues, their case reflects ongoing challenges and potential reforms necessary to protect vulnerable renters.