New State Law Keeps Water On for East Bay Tenants in Foreclosed Properties

BillyKeepTheWaterOnFor the last several years Causa Justa :: Just Cause has fought to protect the rights of tenants in foreclosed properties in the Bay Area. One of our efforts has focused on stopping the banks from using utility companies as a pawn in their game to evict tenants from foreclosed properties. By the banks not paying the utility bills that they as property owners are responsible for, banks are causing the utility companies shut off services for tenants in these buildings thereby forcing tenants to live without water or electricity. In order to address the issue of water shut-offs, CJJC and the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) have been working for over a year to get state level legislation that will allow the EBMUD to put liens on properties where landlords have incurred delinquent bills. Last week, we successfully passed this needed legislation.

 

 

Victory For Tenants

On September 30th, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB1035 into law, which will give EBMUD the ability to place liens on properties for delinquent bills. This means that we now have a legal mechanism by which to stop water shut-offs in foreclosed properties and that EBMUD can collect monies from the landlord—the party responsible for the water bill—instead of punishing innocent tenants.

“This victory makes me feel like what I experienced as a tenant in a foreclosed property wasn’t in vain”, said Kimberly Isaac, a CJJC member whose foreclosure experience sparked the EBMUD Keep the Water On Campaign in 2007. Many CJJC members have advocated on behalf of tenants and have been part of the fight since it started three years ago. “It’s a big victory for us. Now the water company has to keep water on for tenants in foreclosed properties!” said Yvonne Smith, a CJJC member and active supporter of this campaign. “I’m glad we stuck to it and that now we have done something really great for East Bay tenants.”

Collaboration Gets Results

Causa Justa :: Just Cause thanks the staff of EBMUD for its work in ensuring the passage of this bill and for stepping up during this housing crisis to provide a real solution that will benefit East Bay residents. CJJC is proud of the results of our collaborative efforts, and we look forward to working with EBMUD staff and board on the next phase of work—implementing the policy. We look forward to helping make sure that all East Bay tenants are aware of this policy and that no one will have to be displaced from their homes as a result of water shut-offs.

CJJC will be attending the next EBMUD Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 12th to appreciate the work of the EBMUD Board and staff. We especially want to recognize EBMUD lobbyist Randy Kanouse and EBMUD Board member Andy Katz, who have both demonstrated a true commitment to protect tenants rights and should be congratulated for their leadership in this effort.

Unity is Strength!