LA City Council to Consider Tenant Protections, 1-Year Freeze on Rent Increase
Introduction
Some members of the Los Angeles City Council are set to consider proposals for tenant protections following the devastating wildfires.
Tenant Protections Package
The City Council will consider a package of tenant protections, including the possibility of enacting a one-year freeze on increasing rent, with the aim of preventing evictions of residents who were displaced or impacted by the multiple fires that burned Los Angeles.
Key Components of the Proposal
- Prohibit certain types of evictions, including non-payment of rent, no-fault evictions, and evictions related to having additional tenants and pets
- Implement a rent-hike moratorium through January 31, 2026, for all apartments in the city
- Create a process for the L.A. Housing Department to verify whether a tenant or occupant was displaced or economically impacted by the fire emergencies
- Prohibit landlords from increasing rent for additional occupants in a unit for the same one-year timeline
Background on the Fires
Within a two-week span, fires erupted in the Hollywood Hills, San Fernando Valley, and West Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire significantly destroyed the Pacific Palisades, burning 23,448 acres and killing at least 12 people. As of Wednesday, fire officials reported containment at 96%.
Rental Price Increases in the Aftermath of Disasters
In their motion, elected officials explained that Los Angeles would experience a "consistent pattern" that emerges in the aftermath of disasters, such as what was seen in Lahaina, Hawaii, where the median rent surged 44% in the year after the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. In three surrounding counties of Paradise, California, rental prices jumped 20.1% in the two years after the 2018 Camp Fire.
Predicted Predatory Behavior from Landlords
In their motion, elected officials say Los Angeles is already seeing "predatory" behavior from some property owners as rental prices jumped on Zillow between 15% and 64%. They warn that without swift action, thousands of families may face eviction or financial ruin.
Next Steps
Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Hugo Soto-Martinez, and Adrin Nazarian will host a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday morning to discuss their proposal.
Conclusion
The City Council’s proposed tenant protections aim to prevent evictions and financial instability for residents affected by the recent wildfires. By implementing a one-year freeze on rent increases and prohibiting certain types of evictions, the city can help ensure that displaced individuals can recover and rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of evictions would be prohibited under the proposed tenant protections?
A: Non-payment of rent, no-fault evictions, evictions related to having additional tenants and pets, and evictions based on failure to obtain renters’ insurance.
Q: How long would the rent-hike moratorium last?
A: The rent-hike moratorium would last for one year, through January 31, 2026.
Q: How would the L.A. Housing Department verify whether a tenant or occupant was displaced or economically impacted by the fire emergencies?
A: The department would create a process to verify this information.
