Los Angeles city authorities are attempting to safeguard certain tenants from eviction following fires that swept through the region and obliterated thousands of residences.
In a decision made Tuesday, Los Angeles City Council representatives unanimously voted 15-0 to request the City Attorney to establish a regulation that would prevent evictions for a duration of one year for additional occupants “necessitated” by the fires or for the presence of unauthorized pets. He instructed them to create a draft.
Tracy Park, a City Council representative whose district encompasses the severely affected Pacific Palisades, introduced the regulation in a motion, articulating that “some of the impacted individuals and their pets are currently unable to sustain their existing leases. “You may be residing with friends or family in a rental space that may not permit pets or extra individuals.” ”
Once the City Attorney formulates a regulation, it will return to the City Council for conclusive endorsement.
Per the regulation, tenants must inform landlords within 30 days of the ordinance’s activation regarding pets or housemates that are not permitted due to the Palisades Wildfire, Eaton Wildfire, or additional January fires.
Some officials aim to take further action, referencing reports that certain landlords are increasing rent beyond what temporary price gouging safeguards permit.
City Council members Unis Hernández and Hugo Sotomartínez declared a prohibition on evictions for rent arrears if tenants experience financial or medical struggles as a result of the fire, along with “all rentals until January 31, 2026.” A motion was submitted requesting a “temporary halt on rent increases for housing units.”
Both initiatives resemble measures introduced during the coronavirus outbreak and have sparked concerns among landlord organizations.
Fred Sutton, executive vice president of the California Apartment Association, informed City Council members that property owners were prepared to assist, but that rent freezes and non-payment eviction safeguards would “only benefit those in utmost need and critical situations.” He criticized it as a reckless policy that extends far beyond the needs of some individuals.
Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Sotomartinez’s proposal was not sanctioned and was sent to a committee.
Faiza Malik, an attorney with the pro bono legal organization Public Counsel, voiced disappointment regarding the City Council’s failure to approve the rent freeze and extended eviction protections, but expressed hope that the city would take action shortly.
He mentioned that low-income families employed in devastated areas are now unemployed, while more affluent homeowners have lost their residences and are seeking rental housing.
“These fires have significantly worsened the affordable housing and homelessness crisis that exists across the county,” Malik communicated to council representatives.