Consumer Corner

ANDREA CAVANAUGH is a Consumer Specialist with the City Attorney’s office.

TWO FAMILIES IN A SANTA MONICA apartment building had a simmering feud for years. Santa Monica’s Tenant Harassment Ordinance only applies to misconduct by landlords against tenants. The law doesn’t apply to tenant-versus-tenant disputes. Because of this, the City Attorney’s Office was unable to intervene in the problems between these neighbors. 

In the case of the Smiths and the Johnsons, the City Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division let them know about mediation options, and both families agreed.

■ For emergencies (immediate threats to life, health, or safety) call 911.

■ For non-emergency police services, call (310) 458-8491. 

■ For complaints about violations of Municipal, Building, Zoning, or Health and Safety Codes, call (310) 458-4984. ■ For complaints about pets, call (310) 458- 8594.

Read More on page 4: http://backissues.smdp.com/011018.pdf