In Los Angeles, the push to build more housing has collided with the needs of its oldest residents. A state law, SB 1211, now lets property owners convert garages and storage areas into accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within apartment buildings. For many seniors, that means losing the parking spot they've relied on for years—sometimes decades—to get to doctor's appointments, run errands, or simply move through their day.
The law, which took effect in January 2025, also stripped local cities of the power to require replacement parking when these units are built. The California Department of Housing and Community Development has said that lease agreements should determine who gets a space, but tenant advocates argue that's not enough. An investigation by the Los Angeles Times found that in dense neighborhoods, the loss of a garage can effectively trap elderly residents, forcing them into long walks, heavy loads, or a loss of independence.
Seniors fight back in court
Across LA, seniors are taking their landlords to court. In Hollywood, 70-year-old Tracey Ellis, who has lived in her apartment since 2001 and pays over $1,600 a month, depends on a cane and a garage just six meters from her door. Her landlord, Alex Goodson, notified her of plans to build a three-bedroom unit over the parking area, removing her space for one to two years. He says the spot will be restored after construction and that he's following fair housing laws. Ellis isn't convinced.
In Silver Lake, 83-year-old Karen Numme, a tenant since 1995, filed a lawsuit in September against her landlord, Jakobovich Holdings, after receiving notice that her garage would be permanently converted into two ADUs. Her case alleges disability rights violations under state law. And in a class action brought by low-income tenants, a judge in May halted a conversion at a property managed by Yousef Benpourat, with attorney Jacob H. Zadeh representing the residents.
The Coalition for Economic Survival, a tenant advocacy group, says it tracks new cases weekly. Many involve seniors who can't maintain their tenancy without parking, as well as neighbors who use their garages to store work tools or to transport grandchildren.
A policy clash: housing vs. senior rights
The conflict has exposed a sharp divide. Pro-housing advocates, including SB 1211 co-sponsor Matthew Lewis, argue that the state's housing shortage is so severe that production must come first. They suggest subsidies, dedicated disability spaces, and expanded paratransit as possible fixes. But tenant attorney Sabrina Venskus sees it differently: taking away a senior's parking, she says, is a constructive eviction—no rent discount can make up for the loss of mobility.
Los Angeles City Planning officials say state law forces them to approve permits even when tenants are hurt. They've floated ideas like street-designated disability spots or rent reductions, but state lawmakers, including Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz, have promised to review unintended consequences if landlords use the law to push out vulnerable residents.
For many in the Latino community, this hits close to home. In neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Echo Park, and Pico-Union, where multigenerational households and elderly residents are common, the loss of a parking spot can be a family crisis. It's not just about a car—it's about access to work, school, and healthcare. As Latino political power grows in California, advocates hope that influence will translate into better protections for seniors.
The legal battles now underway will set precedents for whether local tenant protections can coexist with state housing incentives. Urban planners, legal advocates, and community leaders are watching closely. The challenge is clear: solve the housing crisis without sacrificing the dignity and independence of those who've called these apartments home for decades.
As the state pushes forward with its housing agenda, the stories of Ellis, Numme, and countless others serve as a reminder that policy decisions have human costs. The outcome of these lawsuits could reshape how California balances growth with compassion.
