Los Angeles County Offers Additional Rent Relief for Small Landlords

The launch of the $46.3 million Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program marks a significant effort to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by both small landlords and tenants. The initiative is a response to the widespread financial strain caused by the pandemic, which has left many renters struggling to meet their obligations and landlords facing economic hardships as a result.

Under this program, eligible landlords can apply for grants of up to $30,000 per rental unit, covering expenses incurred between April 1, 2022, and the present. The funds aim to ease the financial burden on small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units. By specifically targeting this demographic, officials hope to safeguard the interests of smaller-scale rental businesses, ensuring their viability during challenging times.

Administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, the program embodies a strategic approach to maintaining the availability of affordable housing in the county. The overarching goal is to prevent tenant evictions, a critical concern in a landscape where many residents have fallen behind on rent payments due to the economic disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic.

Rafael Carbajal, the director of the department, emphasized the dual impact of the program. By offering direct financial assistance to mom-and-pop landlords, the initiative not only addresses the immediate financial challenges faced by property owners but also works to sustain the availability of affordable housing options. This dual-pronged approach aligns with broader efforts to stabilize the housing market in Los Angeles County and mitigate the social and economic consequences of the pandemic.

The application process for landlords opens in mid-December, signaling a swift response to the pressing needs of the community. To further support accessibility, free multilingual technical assistance will be provided, acknowledging the diverse linguistic landscape of Los Angeles County.

In summary, the LA County Rent Relief Program emerges as a targeted and timely intervention, aiming to support small landlords, prevent tenant evictions, and maintain the fabric of affordable housing in the face of ongoing economic challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.