Prospective residents touring Fifty-Five Fifty deserve to know more than the rent, floor plan, and amenities. They should know what has recently happened inside the building.

A resident recently died inside Unit 335, an apartment adjacent to the pool area. The death occurred against the backdrop of controversial pool-deck demolition and construction that prompted residents to raise concerns about dust, contaminants, permitting, and construction practices with government agencies.

The Fifty-Five Fifty Tenants Association is not claiming that the construction caused the resident’s death. Without evidence establishing a connection, nobody should make that claim. 

But prospective residents—particularly anyone considering Unit 335—may reasonably want to know about the death, the nearby construction, and the concerns residents raised, and ask management their own questions before signing a lease.

Meanwhile, another longtime third-floor resident who has called Fifty-Five Fifty home for roughly six years is now facing displacement. The tenants association is deeply concerned about what will happen to him after he leaves and whether he will have stable housing.

These are not simply “available units.”

They were people’s homes.

So before signing a lease at 5550 Hollywood Boulevard, ask questions. Ask about the history of the apartment you are being shown. Ask about the pool construction. Ask about permits and environmental precautions. Ask why longtime residents are leaving. Ask management what happened—and ask existing tenants, too.

Because the polished apartment on your leasing tour may have a history the leasing agent never mentions.