As a result of a rent relief program implemented in December 2023, Los Angeles County disbursed more than $81 million to landlords, authorities announced Friday, saying the funds helped protect thousands of tenants from being evicted.
The county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs reported the LA County Rent Relief Program played a pivotal role in ensuring tenants in areas of the highest needs received aid during a difficult moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal. County officials opened the program in December 2023 and concluded the last round of support in June 2024.
Grants of up to $30,000 per rental unit were issued through two rounds of applications. Funds covered past due rent and eligible expenses dating back to April 1, 2022.
In total, 1,824 landlords received relief. The department, which oversaw the program, said it prioritized landlords who served vulnerable tenants, owned no more than four properties or managed units in areas of highest need as identified by the county’s Equity Explorer Tool.
“The Rent Relief Program played a vital role in Los Angeles County’s pandemic recovery, helping small property owners while allowing tenants to remain housed,” Carbajal said in a statement. “This program is a testament to what we can achieve through targeted public investment and meaningful community partnerships.”
The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit that advocates for small businesses, administered the program on behalf of the county.
“We are proud of the outcomes this program achieved, especially for the landlords and tenants most at risk,” Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, president and CEO of the nonprofit, said in a statement. “Behind every grant was a family trying to stay housed, a small property owner trying to keep their building afloat, and a community working to recover.”
To close out the program, the DCBA has released a collection of video testimonials featuring landlords and tenants who received aid.
“As we close this chapter, we’re honored to uplift the stories of those impacted,” Thrash-Ntuk added.
The video series is available at youtube.com/@lacountydcba.