LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 25, approved a resolution to provide eviction protections for renters and small business owners financially impacted by the January wildfires.
In last week’s meeting, the board directed the County Counsel’s Office to draft the resolution, which was approved Tuesday in a 4-0 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining her vote.
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.
The board also directed the CEO and Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at last week’s meeting 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.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath had called the motion a “narrowly targeted eviction protection” and said the impact of wildfires extended beyond those living in the affected area, to businesses and workers.
“Even before the fires, the LA housing market was in crisis,” said Horvath, who introduced the motion calling for the resolution to be drafted. “Los Angeles is one of the most unaffordable areas in the nation, with an unhoused population of more than 75,000 people and more people are falling into homelessness as fast as our system is able to re-house others.”
Supervisor Holly Mitchell had raised concerns at the initial vote about a prior fund advocated by her, to support workers and businesses impacted by the fire, would overlap with the new initiative.
Mitchell continued her criticism on Tuesday stating the language used in the resolution was misleading, noting the protections were reserved for those who lost income due to the fires.
She offered amendments to the resolution calling for tenants to prove their unemployment, tenancy, their job applications and efforts to achieve economic stability.
Horvath opposed the suggestions, saying it would create an additional layer of scrutiny for people who need the most support.
Horvath stressed people living in the United States illegally affected by the fires were already hesitant to reach out and imposing further restrictions would push them away from seeking help.