Los Angeles landlords convert tenant parking spaces into accessory dwelling units

Property owners across dense neighborhoods in Los Angeles are converting residential garages and parking areas into accessory dwelling units. The construction projects move forward under state legislation designed to spur new housing production across California. Tenants in areas such as Hollywood, Koreatown, Silver Lake, and Pico Union are losing guaranteed off-street parking spaces that were originally promised in their rental agreements.

Senior citizens and disabled residents report that losing these spaces creates severe daily hurdles. Tracey Ellis, a 70-year-old resident of a rent-stabilized building near the Sunset Strip, explained that her assigned garage spot is essential for reaching medical appointments and grocery stores. She said that taking away parking removes her freedom and independence in a city where street parking is extremely limited.

State law permits property owners to replace parking lots with new dwellings without requiring alternative spaces or street permits. Tenant advocates argue that this legal mechanism enables landlords to bypass local protections and push out long-term residents who rely on stable housing. In buildings governed by the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance, property managers must provide a permanent rent decrease when eliminating a housing service like an on-site parking spot.

Legal representatives and tenant groups report a sharp rise in grievances regarding construction disruptions and lost amenities. Affected residents continue to organize meetings and petitions to contest the sudden loss of garage access across multiple apartment complexes. City housing officials said that property owners must file proper permits with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety before beginning any structural conversions.