Telemundo 48, the Bay Area Telemundo station, ran a Spanish-language story on August 1 detailing the new City of Oakland ordinance that provides protections for renters who are dependent upon elevators to come and go from their apartments. The ordinance was crafted and sponsored by Oakland City Attorney Barbara J. Parker and co-sponsored by Council President Nikki Fortunato Bass, Council President pro tempore Kalb and Councilmembers Carroll Fife and Treva Reid. The ordinance will take effect December 15, 2024.

The ordinance requires that landlords ensure elevators are functioning properly and provide renters with mobility disabilities compensation for alternative housing if elevators are out of order. The ordinance applies to buildings with three or more units. The story includes quotes from Deputy City Attorney Braz Shabrell of the Oakland City Attorney’s Office. Watch the story at https://www.telemundoareadelabahia.com/noticias/local/oakland-proteccion-inquilinos-ley/2407159/.

For more information about the ordinance, see this press release from the Oakland City Attorney’s Office.

Additional coverage of the ordinance:

• SF Gate: Tenants with disabilities must be provided safe elevator access, city says (July 31).

• The Oaklandside: New Oakland housing law protects disabled renters when elevators break (July 17).