LOOK WHAT L.A. COUNTY HAS PLANNED FOR APARTMENT OWNERS
If you own rental property in Los Angeles County, you may want to pay attention to what’s on the agenda Thursday.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss a proposal that could dramatically change how some apartment buildings are sold in unincorporated areas of the county. The measure would begin the process of creating what’s known as a Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA.
Under the proposal, before certain rental properties could be sold on the open market, qualified nonprofit and community housing organizations would receive a right of first refusal — giving them the opportunity to match an offer and purchase the property ahead of private buyers. County officials say the goal is to preserve affordable housing, reduce tenant displacement, and keep more rental units in community ownership. The proposal also calls for county departments to draft a formal ordinance within 180 days if supervisors move forward.
Critics, including the California Apartment Association, argue the plan would interfere with private property rights, complicate real estate transactions, slow sales, and discourage investment in rental housing. The association is urging apartment owners to oppose the proposal before it advances.
It’s important to note that supervisors are not voting on a final law tomorrow. Instead, they’re considering whether to direct county staff to develop the ordinance and bring it back for a future vote. If approved, the proposal would later return to the full Board of Supervisors for additional action.
