Working for Quality, Affordable Housing

“Ruling Limits Lawsuits by Homeowners” [June 18] brings to light a major problem affecting consumers in California. Construction-defect litigation has made it increasingly difficult for consumers to find quality, affordable housing in California.

A study conducted by USC’s Lusk Center Research Institute found that in Southern California alone, construction of multifamily housing has declined by 90%. Since 1986, nearly 80% of home builders have faced construction-defect litigation. The result: Property values have plummeted and consumers have lost equity.

The Coalition for Quality, Affordable Housing (CQAH) is a newly formed organization that is examining a variety of options to encourage the development of quality, affordable housing.

Our organization seeks to protect homeowners and home builders by finding effective, long-term solutions that prevent and resolve construction-related disputes in a fair and economical way. One potential solution that CQAH is considering is the creation of a homeowner warranty program, which would be one of several innovative dispute-resolution components.

CQAH wants to get a handle on the skyrocketing costs of construction-defect litigation to save money for homeowners and home builders. Reducing the need for litigation by providing simple and efficient ways to handle needed repairs will save money for everyone.

JOHNNY ZAMRZLA

Chairman

Coalition for

Quality, Affordable Housing

Sacramento