Owners Sued Los Angeles Over Marilyn Monroe Home Status
The homeowners filed a federal lawsuit after the city blocked their plans to demolish the historic property.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Residential
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In 2024, the owners of the former Marilyn Monroe home in Los Angeles filed a federal lawsuit against the city after their property was designated as a historic and cultural monument. The designation prevented Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank from moving forward with plans to replace the 2,300-square-foot house with a new residence.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centers on the conflict between individual property rights and municipal historic preservation, with the owners arguing the designation constitutes a taking of private property without just compensation. This case will determine if the city must compensate the current owners for limiting their ability to redevelop the site.
The homeowners bought the Brentwood property for $8.35 million in 2023, only to have the city grant historic status in 2024. The home, which has had 14 previous owners since Marilyn Monroe lived there for six months in 1962, measures 2,300 square feet.
The players
Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank
The current owners of the Brentwood home who purchased the property for $8.35 million.
City of Los Angeles
The municipal authority that designated the residence as a historic and cultural monument.
The details
The city of Los Angeles exercised its historic preservation authority to finalize the landmark status, which prohibits structural demolition. In response, the owners filed a federal lawsuit citing the Fifth Amendment, claiming the city effectively seized their property rights without payment. This legal action followed a prior unsuccessful challenge filed in California state court.
Timeline
1962: Marilyn Monroe purchased the home.
2019: The house became vacant.
2023: Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank bought the property.
2024: The city designated the home a historic landmark.
The Home Front
This case highlights the growing tension between local historic preservation ordinances and the development rights of property owners. It marks a departure from standard zoning disputes by raising constitutional questions about how landmark status impacts the equity of residential assets.
Homeowners in historic districts should review their local municipal code to understand how landmark designations may limit future renovation or demolition plans. It is wise to consult a local real estate attorney to evaluate property rights if you are considering purchasing a home with potential historical status.
The takeaway
The case emphasizes the importance of verifying property restrictions during the due diligence phase of any real estate transaction. Prospective buyers of historic homes should ensure they understand all preservation encumbrances tied to the title before finalizing a purchase.
Further reading
Learn more about local housing regulations and property status on our Residential page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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