What the LA New Tenants Laws Could Mean for You
Los Angeles County is now the worst Covid-19 outbreak county in California. For renters, this means that more tenants will continue being impacted by the pandemic. With new laws, here are some rights you have as a renter in Los Angeles.
No More Evictions
On May 6th, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council passed a law to give tenants the right to sue their landlords who violate the statewide ban on evictions during the pandemic. Landlords are currently prohibited from evicting tenants, including those who have been affected by the coronavirus. The City Attorney’s Office has stated the new law is intended to deter landlords from posting eviction notices that cannot be legally enforced at the time.
The L.A. City Council also accepted a new amendment to give landlords 15 days to fix any violations before tenants can exercise their right to go to court.
No Pressure to Hand Over Government Money
The law also prohibits landlords from pressuring tenants to use money received from their federal stimulus check or other government relief programs such as unemployment to pay rent.
No Rent Increases
The Council also voted to prevent any rent increases in units covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance which limits annual hikes in older apartments for a year after the emergency period. There has been a push for the city to prevent rent increases for apartments not covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, but unless the California Costa-Hawkins law is suspended, action will not be possible.
On Wednesday, the City Council voted in support of state efforts to suspend the Costa-Hawkins law. The law currently limits municipal rent control regulations such as prohibiting vacancy control and rent control on single family homes, condos, or housing built after 1995.
At Tenants Law Firm, we understand the tremendous strain brought by this pandemic. Our lawyers are committed to helping you during these trying times. If you or anyone you know are struggling with housing issues, please fill out our intake form here and we will get back to you shortly.