Tarek El Moussa is evicting longtime residents to flip an entire street for a high-rise apartment building.

Tarek El Moussa is evicting longtime residents to flip an entire street for a high-rise apartment building.

Tarek El Moussa Plans Massive Apartment Complex in Los Angeles

NOHO 138

Residents of rent-stabilized apartments in Los Angeles are protesting against the construction of a massive apartment complex by Tarek El Moussa’s real estate investing company, TEM Capital. El Moussa, who gained fame through his hit TV show “Flip or Flop,” is now venturing into building his largest project to date – NOHO 138, a high-rise apartment complex in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles.

The development, which will consist of 138 units, aims to provide much-needed housing in California. However, the project involves tearing down existing homes on Hartsook Street, which has resulted in the eviction of current residents. While the project’s website states that 14 units will be reserved for low-income residents, some are skeptical about the impact of these affordable housing units.

El Moussa’s previous experience in flipping houses has contributed to his ambition to undertake this significant project. In a video announcement, he described NOHO 138 as “the biggest flip” of his career and invited viewers to invest in the venture. This project aligns with the Los Angeles Density Bonus program, which incentivizes developers to include affordable housing units by allowing them to increase the building’s height or square footage.

Despite the potential benefits of the new apartment complex, the eviction of long-time tenants has drawn criticism. Under “Ellis Act” evictions, affected tenants are offered varying levels of compensation to facilitate their relocation. However, some have expressed concerns that these evictions are disruptive and fail to take into account the emotional toll on residents who call the place their home.

In response to these concerns, a representative for Tarek El Moussa reiterated that the project’s buyers aim to work closely and respectfully with current tenants by providing proper move-out compensation. The companies involved in the development, including TEM Capital, HEM Capital, WJK Development Co., and Pyramid Development Group, have committed to following all city guidelines and handling the situation with sensitivity.

NOHO 138’s website reveals that three residents have yet to vacate their homes, leading to further uncertainty around the project’s timeline. One resident, Cathy Livas, has expressed her resolve to stay put and resist eviction until she is ready to leave. This situation adds to the complexities surrounding the development, as it involves factors beyond the real estate market, such as the criminal charges against the previous landlord, Arthur Aslanian, who is accused of illegal tactics to force residents out.

To clarify any misconceptions, El Moussa’s representative emphasized that TEM Capital has no connection or relationship with Aslanian. Despite being primarily known for his work on HGTV, El Moussa has expanded his business ventures beyond flipping houses. He is involved in various projects, including house-flipping seminars, a solar company, and a home line that he is creating with his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, who is also invested in NOHO 138.

In conclusion, the construction of Tarek El Moussa’s massive apartment complex, NOHO 138, has sparked controversy due to the eviction of residents living in rent-stabilized apartments. While the project aims to provide additional housing options and includes provisions for low-income residents, concerns about the eviction process and the impact on affected individuals continue to surface. As the project progresses, it remains crucial for all parties involved to address these concerns and ensure that the development proceeds with sensitivity and respect for the community.