Duarte : Eviction Ordinance OKd

An ordinance to help landlords evict tenants involved in drug or gang activity was unanimously passed by the City Council Tuesday night.

Following Los Angeles County and the cities of West Covina and Monrovia, the Duarte ordinance empowers property owners and managers who suspect illegal activities in their buildings to file a written request for a nuisance abatement with the police.

After police check the request, tenants will be notified by letter and will have 30 days to alleviate the problem. If no action is taken, a second notice will be issued. After that, the city attorney will file for a court injunction.

“This is another tool for us to use to show those involved in this type of activity that they have picked the wrong city,” said Mayor John Fasana.