Curtis Jeter recalls fearing for his future when his new landlord told him he must move from his South Los Angeles apartment because the building in the gentrifying neighborhood would no longer be for rent. In early August, when Los Angeles developer CIM Group offered the West Adams resident $8,000 if he left his rent-controlled unit within 30 days, Jeter quickly signed a buyout agreement. The practice, known as “cash for keys,” is sparking street protests and action from the Los Angeles City Council, which this week approved a plan to crack down on the practice, which can be unethical if not illegal. “You have rights.... Don’t sign, don’t move and don’t take the money.”You have rights.... Don’t sign, don’t move and don’t take the money. of Greater Los Angeles said it supports the notifications, but opposes the proposal over fears that individual buyout agreements would be public once filed with the city.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 23, 2016 12:02 UTC