BASTA, Inc.

Each year, illness affects an estimated 48,000 people living in slum conditions. Exposure to mold, rats, roaches, and bedbugs (chinches) can devastate a person’s health, causing illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, rashes, etc. BASTA forces slumlords to repair their buildings or sell them to responsible landlords, as well as pay compensatory damages to low-income tenants who suffer under slum conditions. In the past 5 years, BASTA has obtained more than $5,000,000 on behalf of over 300 families.

To the extent it is available, BASTA assists displaced tenants (whether eviction, fire, or other causes) obtain financial assistance for rental subsidies, moving expenses, and/or general relocation help. In certain situations, BASTA has itself provided such help to displaced tenants.

BASTA advocates before state and local governments for strengthening the laws that protect tenants and improve apartment conditions throughout Los Angeles.

BASTA provides education outreach and financial counseling to help tenants understand the root causes of eviction and homelessness, as well as their rights as tenants under local rent control ordinances and state law.

BASTA assists its clients in becoming productive members of society through a variety of social, cultural and educational activities.