Fruitvale renters sue landlord over immigration threats, eviction attempts

"Darrick Chavis bought the four-unit rental property on Princeton Street and Fairfax Avenue this spring, inheriting its tenants, who pay below-market rates after living in the rent-controlled homes for years. Almost immediately, Chavis offered his new tenants buyouts if they'd leave. In Oakland, landlords can only raise rents by nominal amounts each year in rent-controlled buildings - but if a tenant moves out, they can establish any new starting rate for the next renter."

"In text messages to tenants in each occupied unit, which The Oaklandside reviewed and reported on in July, Chavis asked about their immigration status. Most or all of the tenants in the property are Spanish-speaking immigrants. Some live with their children or grandchildren. "Are you legal my staff was asking?" Chavis wrote in a text message to one tenant. When the renter questioned the ask, Chavis clarified: "In case we don't reach an agreement." The tenant took this as a threat to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they didn't accept a buyout."

Darrick Chavis purchased a four-unit Fruitvale rental this spring and inherited long-term tenants paying below-market rent under Oakland's rent control. Chavis offered buyouts almost immediately, and the tenants say those offers were below the minimum required by Oakland's tenant protection law. Chavis sent text messages asking tenants about their immigration status and allegedly suggested involving attorneys and immigration authorities when tenants declined buyouts. The tenants filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court represented by the California Center for Movement Legal Services. Many tenants are Spanish-speaking immigrants, and some live with children or grandchildren.

Read at The Oaklandside