Case Summary

p1631 Where a landlord prevailed against a city in an administrative writ of mandate action under C.C.P. § 1085, the trial court erred in awarding attorneys' fees to the landlord under a local ordinance intended to benefit the prevailing party in a landlord-tenant suit. Although the literal meaning of the provision supported the trial court's view, the plain meaning rule does not require a court to interpret a statute in a manner that produces an absurd result and that is inconsistent with other provisions of law.

WOODLAND PARK MANAGEMENT v CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO (Suing Landlord) 181 CA4 915 [See East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization and Eviction for Good Cause Ordinance (RSO) Section 15A]