The L.A. City Council Tuesday will vote on a proposal to provide eviction defense for nannies, gardeners and other residents who were impacted economically by January’s wildfires after postponing a decision on the matter last month.
The proposal aims to provide a defense for non-payment of rent and no-fault evictions for tenants who could show proof of economic hardships as a result of the fire emergencies. Council members Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez introduced the motion in January and originally sought a rent-hike moratorium for one year as well as expanded protections against certain evictions.
Following criticism from some of their colleagues and landlords, the Housing and Homelessness Committee refined the proposal in a bid to compromise with residents and landlords.
In February, the City Council was split 6-5 on whether to approve such protections. Council members were unable “note and file” the matter, meaning it could still be implemented if it garners enough support.
It was later scheduled for Tuesday after Hernandez called for more time to amend the proposal and address concerns by her colleagues.
The council members have previously stated that the proposal is not intended to prohibit landlords from pursuing evictions, but rather providing tenants with a defense in court.
Council members John Lee, Bob Blumenfield, Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park were among the members who voted against the proposal.
Lee argued such a policy would ultimately worsen the city’s housing crisis, while Blumenfield raised concerns about how to verify whether a tenant experienced financial distress as a result of the wildfires.
Park, who represents the Pacific Palisades, sought the use of unspent Measure ULA funds for emergency rental assistance. City staff are exploring this measure.
Meanwhile, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to provide eviction protections for renters and small business owners financially impacted by the January wildfires.
The resolution covers tenants throughout Los Angeles County who are financially impacted by the January wildfires, who have signed up for relief programs, unemployment insurance or emergency benefits, owing to a loss of at least 10% monthly income.
Landlords will be prohibited from imposing late fees, interest, or other charges on rental debt, but allowed to challenge a tenant’s eligibility for free of charge.
The resolution will remain in effect until July 31. The initial proposal was to remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2026.
Additionally, the board also directed staff to report back on developing financial parameters of a fund, at least $10 million to be managed by a third-party sponsor to support impacted tenants and landlords.
Both the city and county also implemented policies to temporarily prohibit landlords from evicting tenants who have taken in unauthorized occupants or pets displaced by the January wildfires.
Gov. Gavin Newsom previously issued an order prohibiting evictions of tenants who sheltered displaced individuals due to wildfires, though it did not include pets. His directive is set to expire March 8.