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City of Los Angeles Covid-19 Tenant Eviction Protections

Residential tenants who have been affected by Covid-19 in the City of Los Angeles cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent beginning March 4, 2020 through the end of the local emergency. It’s important to keep in mind that the protections in place for the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles are two separate ordinances.

city of los angeles covid-19 tenant eviction protections

Summary of Residential Tenant Protections in the City of Los Angeles

All residential tenants who live within the limits of the City of Los Angeles are protected from being evicted due to non payment of rent under the following circumstances:

  • The rent due in question became due between March 4th, 2020 through the official end of the local emergency.
  • The tenant cannot pay rent because of a Covid-19 related hardship such as
    • Loss of income because your place of employment has closed or reduced hours.
    • Loss of income or child care costs have increased due to schools being closed.
    • Medical costs for you or a member of your household who has fallen ill with Covid-19.
    • Loss of income due to orders issued by the government.
  • The tenant has notified their landlord in writing within 7 days after rent is due that the reason they cannot pay their rent is due to a Covid-19 related circumstance.

Tenants are not forgiven from having to pay rent, however. The tenant must pay back any owed rent during this period within 12 months as of the expiration date of the local emergency. The landlord is not allowed to charge any late rent fees or interests on back rent owed.

Other Eviction Protections in the City of Los Angeles

In addition to the eviction protection for non-payment of rent, a tenant is also protected from “no fault” evictions during the entire duration of the local emergency. Tenants cannot be evicted for unauthorized guests, pets or causing a nuisance until the local emergency is lifted. Landlords are also not allowed to remove the rental from the market until 60 days after the expiration of the declared emergency.

Rent Increases in the City of Los Angeles

Any rent increase made as of March 30, 2020 are not allowed for properties under RSO unless approved by HCIDLA. Rent increases will be allowed one year after the local emergency expires.

How will repaying overdue rent work?

A landlord and tenant may agree to a payment plan of any unpaid rent within 12 months after the local emergency is lifted.

  • The landlord and tenant may come to an agreement before the emergency is lifted or within 90 days of the first missed rent payment.
  • The repayment period may be extended if both parties agree.
  • The landlord may offer their tenant a discount on overdue rent.

Before filing an eviction

It’s imperative that landlords ensure their tenant hadn’t provided a notice of Covid-19 hardship prior to filing an eviction as this could cause massive setbacks. Please contact our office if you have any questions at 1-800-686-8686 or email us at intake@fastevict.com