Mayor says Lemon Grove to consider emergency plan to protect residential renters

Lemon Grove officials are considering increasing residential tenant protections after residents of a local complex complained their new landlord is bending rules to clear out longtime renters and re-list units at double the price.

Situated in the center of Lemon Grove, Serra Grove is a 64-unit complex composed of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Formerly named Olive Tree Apartments, the development primarily houses seniors and was purchased in November by the Phoenix-based company Orsett Serra Grove for $14 million. It had previously been owned by a family for many years.

Gino Quarles has lived in her apartment at Serra Grove for 10 years. On Jan. 8, she was given a notice that said she had 90 days to move out. She was the first tenant to receive such a notice.

Her wife, Sheila Spencer, lives in another apartment at the complex. She received a similar notice a few weeks later. Soon after, more tenants also were told to vacate their apartments. Most of them were given 60 days to vacate, but Section 8 recipients got 90 days.

The notices said the landlord is permitted by state law to ask tenants to vacate the property because of plans to “substantially remodel” the apartments. Those who received notices were offered one month of free rent.

According to several of the notices, planned renovations included tearing down drywall, rerouting water and drain lines, upgrading the electrical system, installing new drain pipes, putting in new kitchen ...