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🔥Renters Affected by the Fires: What You Need to Know About Your Rights & Protections
Welcome to The Tenure View
Los Angeles is still feeling the impact of the devastating January wildfires, which not only destroyed thousands of homes but also wiped out jobs and financial security for many renters. While the city council declined to pass broad eviction protections, renters still have some lifelines at the county and state level.
If you or someone you know lost income because of the fires, here’s what you need to know about your protections, what’s happening with proposed rent freezes, and what steps you should take now.
🔥 Eviction Protections for Renters Affected by the Fires
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors passed a measure that gives some renters protection from eviction in all unincorporated communities and cities within the county, including Los Angeles.
✅ Who Qualifies?
To qualify for these eviction protections, you must:
Have lived in your unit before January 7, 2025
Have lost at least 10% of your monthly income due to the fires
Earn 150% or less of the area median income ($147,000 for a family of four in 2024)
Be actively seeking employment or applying for financial assistance (such as unemployment benefits, a fire relief fund, etc.)
Notify your landlord in writing within seven days of rent being due that you are unable to pay because of the fires
💡 Missed February rent? You have until March 4 to notify your landlord in writing that the fires impacted your ability to pay【Khouri, LA Times, 3/4/25】.
📌 Important: These rules don’t stop landlords from filing evictions—but they do give you a legal defense in court. If you receive an eviction notice, do not ignore it. Seek legal help immediately.
⏳ Protections Expire Soon
These eviction protections only last through July 31, 2025. After that, renters who have fallen behind must pay back the rent owed or negotiate payment plans. If you’re affected, stay informed and plan ahead.
For assistance, contact Stay Housed LA for legal guidance.
❄️ Rent Freeze Bill Moves Forward—But Faces Pushback
With rent prices rising after the fires, some lawmakers are pushing for a temporary rent freeze across LA County. Assemblyman Isaac Bryan introduced AB 246, which would lock rents at January 7, 2025, levels for one year.
💰 What This Means for Renters:
Landlords would not be allowed to increase rent for one year.
Violators could face fines up to $10,000 per violation.
The bill is facing strong opposition from landlord groups, who argue it will discourage property owners from keeping rentals available【Nemeth, CAA, 3/4/25】.
📌 Current Status: AB 246 passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee and is now moving to a full vote in the Assembly. If it passes there, it will go to the Senate.
⚠️ No Local Rent Freeze Yet – Both L.A. City Council and L.A. County Supervisors declined to pass their own rent freezes, which raises concerns about whether the state measure will gain enough support【Nemeth, CAA, 3/4/25】.
💸 What Renters Should Do Now
📌 If You Lost Income Due to the Fires:
✔️ Notify your landlord in writing ASAP (especially if you missed February rent).
✔️ Apply for financial assistance programs—FEMA and local relief funds may help.
✔️ Seek legal help if you receive an eviction notice—do not ignore court papers.
📌 If You’re Facing a Rent Increase:
✔️ Check if your unit falls under rent control. If it does, landlords may have limits on rent hikes.
✔️ Report price gouging—if your rent was increased by more than 10% after the fires, it may be illegal under California’s anti-gouging laws.
📌 If You’re Concerned About Future Rent Hikes:
✔️ Follow AB 246—if passed, it could freeze rent for a year.
✔️ Stay informed—The Tenure View will continue covering rental protections and legal updates.
🏙️ Community Spotlight: Tenant Organizing in Eagle Rock
While renters in Eagle Rock aren’t facing wildfire displacement, they’re battling another major crisis—the fight to stay in rent-controlled housing.
🏠 What’s Happening?
Tenants in a 17-unit rent-controlled building are being pushed out as the owner plans to demolish the property to build a larger 141-unit affordable housing project.
Some tenants have lived there for decades and say relocation payments won’t cover the high cost of new rentals.
Tenants and organizers are pushing to have the building sold to a community land trust, which would preserve affordable housing for the long term【Tran, Capital & Main, 3/4/25】.
📌 Why It Matters:
With rent hikes and displacement on the rise, tenant organizing is becoming more critical across LA. If you’re in a similar situation, tenant unions can help push for better outcomes.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Stay Informed & Take Action
The fires have exposed major gaps in tenant protections, and while there are some safeguards in place, they won’t last forever. Whether it’s fighting an unfair eviction, pushing back against rent hikes, or advocating for stronger protections, renters need to stay informed and organized.
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🚪 Got a tenant story or question? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram!
💙🏡 Stay safe, stay housed.
