Los Angeles Wildfire Eviction Protections

Essential Updates for Landlords and Tenants

The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County in January 2025 have left many residents grappling with financial hardships. In response, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors enacted temporary eviction protections to support affected tenants. Here’s what landlords and tenants need to know.

Overview of Eviction Protections

February 1, 2025, through July 31, 2025, these protections aim to prevent evictions of tenants who are unable to pay rent due to direct financial impacts from the January 2025 wildfires. The measures apply countywide, encompassing all 88 cities and unincorporated areas within Los Angeles County. dcba.lacounty.gov Lindsey Horvath+1palisadesnews.com+1

Eligibility Criteria for Tenants

To qualify for these protections, tenants must meet the following conditions:
Residency Requirement: Must have resided in their rental unit since before January 7, 2025.
Income Threshold: Household income for 2024 must be at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For example, a family of four would need an income of $147,000 or less. asianjournal.com+1culvercitycrossroads.com+1
Demonstrated Financial Impact: Experienced at least a 10% loss in monthly income due to wildfire-related reasons, such as:
Destruction or uninhabitability of their workplace or business.
Layoffs or reduced work hours resulting from the fires.
Loss of clients or business in fire-affected areas.
Active Income Replacement Efforts: Engaged in activities like applying for relief programs, unemployment benefits, or actively seeking employment.dcba.lacounty.gov+1culvercitycrossroads.com+1

Action Steps for Tenants

Tenants who are unable to pay rent due to wildfire-related financial hardships should:

Notify the Landlord: Provide written notice to the landlord within seven days of the rent due date. For February 2025 rent, the notice should be given by March 4, 2025. A sample notification form is available from the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
Self-Certify Financial Hardship: Submit a self-certification under penalty of perjury, detailing the direct financial impact of the wildfires. While supporting documentation is not mandatory, it is advisable to include evidence such as pay stubs, employer letters, or proof of applications for relief programs.

Responsibilities and Considerations for Landlords

Landlords should be aware of the following:

Repayment Period: Tenants have up to 12 months after July 31, 2025, to repay any missed rent. Landlords are encouraged to collaborate with tenants on feasible repayment plans.
Challenging False Claims: Landlords retain the right to contest fraudulent hardship claims if there is evidence suggesting the tenant’s self-certification is false. caanet.org

Available Resources and Assistance

Both landlords and tenants can access various resources for support:

Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: Offers free mediation services to facilitate agreements on repayment plans. Contact at (800) 593-8222.
Stay Housed LA: Provides legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. Visit their website or call 888-694-0040 for support.

The temporary eviction protections enacted in response to the January 2025 wildfires are designed to provide relief to tenants facing financial hardships. Landlords and tenants alike should stay informed about their rights and responsibilities during this period to ensure compliance and foster cooperative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Just Cause Ordinance

Q: What properties are covered under JCO?

A: Most non-RSO rental units in LA, including single-family homes & condos. Some exemptions apply (e.g., care facilities, HACLA-owned properties).

Q: Does JCO regulate rent increases?

A: No, but AB 1482 limits increases in buildings 15+ years old to 8.9% (2024–2025).

Protections Notice

Q: Do I still have to post the Protections Notice if my tenant moved in before Jan. 27, 2023?

A: Yes, but you only need to give a copy to tenants who moved in or renewed after that date.

Eviction Notices

Q: Do landlords need to file a 3-day eviction notice with LAHD?

A: Yes, within 3 business days of serving the tenant.

Q: How can a tenant check if their landlord filed the eviction notice?

A: Use LAHD’s lookup tool.

Relocation Assistance

Q: Is a condominium considered a single-family dwelling (SFD)?

A: No, condos follow different relocation assistance rules.

Q: How is relocation assistance determined?

A: Assistance varies based on tenancy length, income, and property type. More details here.

For more details, visit the LA Housing Department (LAHD) website or call 866-557-7368

If you’re ready or thinking about buying or selling a home, or maybe both, then Stephen White and his team are ready to assist you with your real estate needs.

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