Hearing scheduled on Long Beach landlord repairs

Long Beach will hold an Aug. 20 public hearing on a plan to enforce stiffer penalties against landlords who do not maintain their properties.

The proposed law would quadrupled the fine for failing to make repairs, to $1,000 per day.

The measure would change city codes so Long Beach could levy fines against owners and managers of buildings with 25 or more units, according to documents filed at city hall.

Currently, the city can charge a $250 fine per day for failing to comply with building codes.

The city council voted to schedule the public hearing during its meeting Tuesday night. Long Beach leaders have said the measure was motivated by the condition of some large apartment complexes in the city, some of which are in need of repairs to roofs, elevators and balconies.

The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at Long Beach City Hall, 1 West Chester St.