Eviction Protections for Renters Affected by Recent Fires in Los Angeles County

The eviction protection measure passed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors provide a vital safety net for renters who are facing income loss due to the fires. By preventing eviction for nonpayment of rent, renters can remain housed as they recover from the disaster’s financial impact.

In response to the financial hardships caused by the devastating wildfires that struck Southern California in January 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has implemented eviction protections for renters affected by the disaster. This measure, recently passed, aims to prevent displacement by ensuring that renters are not evicted due to income loss directly caused by the fires. These protections apply to renters in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including the city of Los Angeles.

What Renters Need to Know

The eviction protections ensure that renters who are unable to pay rent due to the fires cannot be evicted. To qualify for protection, renters must meet the following criteria:

1. Financial Impact: Renters must have lost at least 10% of their household income because of the fires, including those who lost jobs or had their businesses impacted.

2. Income Limits: Renters’ household income must be no more than 150% of the area median income (AMI). In 2024, for a family of four, this means earning up to $147,000 annually.

3. Proof of Loss: Renters need to provide documentation, such as pay stubs or letters from employers, to verify that their income loss was due to the fires.

These protections will remain in effect until July 31, 2025, providing temporary relief during the recovery process.

Steps Renters Can Take

Renters who are impacted by the fires should take the following steps:

1. Notify Your Landlord: Inform your landlord as soon as possible if you cannot pay rent due to the fires. Provide supporting documentation of your income loss.

2. Apply for Rent Relief: Renters may be eligible for rent relief. Los Angeles County has set aside funds for renters affected by the fires. Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs website at dcba.lacounty.gov for more information on applying. Renters can also explore the California Rent Relief Program at housing.ca.gov.

3. Seek Legal Assistance: If you need help understanding your rights, reach out to tenant advocacy groups or legal aid services. Resources include:

• Los Angeles Tenants Union (latenantsunion.org) and Tenant Protection Services (tenantprotectionservices.org).

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (lafla.org) and California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (crla.org) for legal support.

4. Stay Informed: For updates on available assistance and protections, check the following websites:

• Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at bos.lacounty.gov.

• Los Angeles Housing Department at hcidla.lacity.org.

A Crucial Support for Renters

These eviction protections provide a vital safety net for renters who are facing income loss due to the fires. By preventing eviction for nonpayment of rent, renters can remain housed as they recover from the disaster’s financial impact.

It is important for affected renters to act quickly by notifying their landlords, applying for rent relief, and seeking legal support if necessary. With these protections in place until July 2025, renters can focus on rebuilding their lives without the fear of eviction.