Los Angeles renters are facing an uphill battle. From wildfires devastating thousands of homes to rent hikes, price gouging, and evictions, tenants are being hit from every direction. Now, with the LA City Council failing to pass eviction protections for workers who lost income after the fires, the stakes are even higher.

This week, we’re breaking down what’s happening with post-fire renter protections, price gouging crackdowns, and a critical fight in Eagle Rock—where long-term renters are struggling to keep their homes.

In a major setback for renters, the LA City Council failed to pass a proposal that would have protected tenants who lost income due to the fires from eviction. The motion needed eight votes but only secured six, with key councilmembers siding with landlords, claiming that further tenant protections would discourage housing development.

The proposal, introduced by Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez, would have:

✅ Allowed renters who lost income due to the fires to use that as a defense in eviction court.
✅ Required landlords to offer repayment plans instead of immediate eviction.
✅ Capped late rent payments at three months of fair market rent.

Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, opposed the measure, saying the city lacks data proving a surge in evictions post-fire. Meanwhile, landlords pushed back hard, showing up in droves to argue against the motion, while tenant advocates warned that thousands are at risk of losing their homes.

Councilmember Hernandez called the failure to pass protections “shameful” and warned that many renters will fall into homelessness without immediate action (LAist, David Wagner, 2025).

The proposal is not dead yet—it will be back for another vote on February 18. If you’re at risk of eviction due to the fires, now is the time to contact local tenant rights groups for support.

Wildfire survivors and renters aren’t just struggling with evictions—they’re also battling price gouging. Some landlords have tripled or quadrupled rent prices overnight, taking advantage of the desperate housing situation.

✅ New LA County Rule: Any landlord caught price gouging during the fire emergency can now face fines up to $50,000 per violation (Mercury News, Steve Scauzillo, 2025).

✅ Illegal Listings Exposed: The Rent Brigade identified over 1,300 rental listings that violated California’s price-gouging laws, with some landlords demanding 315% of the Fair Market Rent.

✅ Landlords Using Algorithms to Hike Rents: Some landlords are manipulating rental prices using automated software. LA County is investigating tech-driven price gouging and may introduce new legal restrictions.

If you suspect you’re being charged more than a legal rent increase, you can:

📢 File a complaint with LA County’s Department of Consumer & Business Affairs.
🛑 Report price gouging to The Rent Brigade.
⚖️ Get legal help through tenant advocacy groups like the Housing Rights Center.

For decades, the Eagle Rock neighborhood has been a haven for working-class families and longtime renters. Now, a 17-unit rent-controlled apartment complex is slated for demolition to make way for a 141-unit “affordable housing” project—but existing tenants are not convinced they’ll be able to stay.

Here’s the situation:

🔹 The Developer: California Landmark Group plans to build new apartments, but long-term residents will be forced out.
🔹 The City’s Plan: Mayor Karen Bass fast-tracked the project under an affordable housing initiative, but tenants weren’t consulted.
🔹 Tenant Concerns: Residents, many of whom have lived in the building for decades, fear they won’t be able to find new housing—even with a $20,000 relocation payment.
🔹 The Fight: Tenants are demanding the developer sell the building to a community land trust, so residents can remain in stable, affordable housing (Capital & Main, Maison Tran, 2025).

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez has arranged a meeting between tenants and the developer, but no date has been set yet.

Why This Matters:
✅ Eagle Rock’s fight is about more than one building—it’s about who gets to stay in LA as housing prices skyrocket.
✅ This is NOT an isolated case—more than 200 rent-controlled buildings across LA are being targeted for demolition under similar policies.
✅ Once rent-controlled housing is lost, it’s gone forever—putting more pressure on an already overpriced rental market.

For renters facing displacement, tenant advocacy groups are pushing for alternative solutions like community land trusts and stronger tenant rights protections.

Eagle Rock isn’t just at the center of a major housing battle—it’s also one of LA’s most sought-after neighborhoods for renters. Here’s why:

🌆 Great Location – Close to Pasadena, Glendale, and Downtown LA, Eagle Rock offers easy access to the city.
🎨 Creative & Laid-Back Vibe – With local art galleries, coffee shops, and small businesses, the area has a strong sense of community.
📚 Good Schools & Family-Friendly Feel – A top choice for families looking for a more affordable alternative to Westside neighborhoods.
🏡 Still (Somewhat) Affordable – While rents are rising, Eagle Rock remains cheaper than neighboring Silver Lake, Highland Park, or Los Feliz.

💡 Thinking of Moving to Eagle Rock? Renters should act fast, as the demand for housing in the area is only growing. Look for rent-controlled units and stay informed about tenant rights protections before signing a lease.

🔥 February 18: LA City Council will reconsider eviction protections—stay tuned for updates.
⚖️ New Price Gouging Fines Take Effect Soon—file a complaint if you see illegal rent hikes.
🏠 Eagle Rock Tenants & Developers to Meet—will renters win their fight to stay?

💭 What do you think? Should LA be demolishing rent-controlled buildings for “affordable” housing? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram to share your thoughts.

As always, The Tenure View has got you, renters. 💙🏡🔥