Empty empires: A few Berkeley landlords are sitting on several vacant buildings

"The family owns four apartment buildings where the city says a total of 29 units were empty for at least half of 2024, meaning they will be hit with a $168,000 bill under Berkeley's new Empty Homes Tax. County records identify the buildings' owners as Henry, Phillip and Edith Louie, as well as the heirs of Wai H. Louie. Another Berkeley landlord, Ashok Sabhlok, also owns four properties the city identified as having long-term vacant units."

"Sabhlok's properties are smaller, totaling eight empty units, and earning him a $33,000 bill. The tax charges landlords $3,000 or $6,000 per unit depending on the size of the building. The Louies and Sabhlok owned more properties with vacant units last year than any other landlord, according to the city's database, which provides the most detailed look yet at the inventory of empty housing in Berkeley; no other property owner had more than two properties the city identified as being subject to the tax."

"This 14-unit apartment complex has sat vacant for years at 2416 Roosevelt Ave. It's one of four apartment buildings owned by members of a single family that racked up $168,000 in charges under Berkeley's new tax on vacant housing. Credit: Nico Savidge/Berkeleyside The five Berkeley buildings owned by members of the Louie family all have a similar look. Their exteriors are weathered, with faded paint and peeling trim. The curtains are drawn in their windows. Some are surrounded by padlocked metal gates."

Several Berkeley apartment buildings have sat vacant for years and now face charges under the city's Empty Homes Tax. One family owns four buildings with 29 units empty for at least half of 2024, triggering a $168,000 tax bill. Another landlord owns four smaller properties with eight empty units, generating a $33,000 bill. The tax levies $3,000 or $6,000 per empty unit depending on building size. City database records show the Louies and Sabhlok held more properties with long-term vacancies than any other owners, revealing concentrated ownership of empty housing.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org