You thought it would never end, didn’t you? Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted earlier this month to wrap up a COVID-related eviction moratorium starting February 1. Landlords will be allowed to return to using the legal process to evict tenants behind in their rent. The restrictions were on the books for nearly three years.
When it started, it was feared the economic harm caused by the widespread viral infection and the resulting business closures caused by government efforts to contain it would result in a plague of evictions, send homeless rates soaring, which would fuel COVID-19’s spread, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The eviction ban was part of many policies of local, state, and federal governments during the pandemic. LA tenants received $1.5 billion in rental assistance to keep them housed while paying landlords’ bills. About 70% of those receiving the money are considered “extremely” low-income (for a family of four, the income would be less than $35,340 annually).
Landlords and Tenants Speak Out at Public Hearing
At a public hearing before the vote, landlords and tenants spoke of their experiences. One South LA landlord stated some tenants have been living rent-free since the pandemic’s start, and government assistance covers only half of what he’s owed. Tenants told the council the eviction ban prevented mass homelessness.
Tenants who spoke didn’t mention current problems caused by the pandemic but covered chronic issues that city residents face in finding affordable housing while real estate prices and rents shoot skyward. Compared to making difficult, long-term choices that will enable more affordable housing, the council starting and ending an emergency eviction ban may be a piece of cake in comparison.
Follow the Money
Eviction protections didn’t end tenants’ need to pay rent. They only prevented evictions for failing to pay it. There may be vast numbers of LA tenants collectively owing a massive amount of back rent. The end of the eviction ban includes giving tenants at least until August to pay their overdue rent. LA’s landlords may end up with a fraction of the outstanding rent.
Residential eviction cases across LA County are already increasing. There were nearly 3,400 filed in June, the highest since February 2020.
Give and Take
Other COVID-related tenant protections will also gradually end, including by February 2024:
• Evictions for unauthorized pets and residents not listed on leases can be filed
• Rent increases will be allowed for rent-controlled apartments (about three-quarters of LA’s apartments)
The council giveth to and taketh away from landlords. The council agreed to consider protections enjoyed by rent-controlled apartment tenants to all renters. They include the inability to evict tenants in rent-controlled apartments unless there are documented lease violations, or they receive relocation help when owners move in and for other “no-fault” reasons.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re a residential landlord and have questions about the eviction process or you’ll need help evicting tenants, call Anthony Burton at (949) 244-4207 or complete our online contact form today. We can talk about your situation, how the law may apply, and how to proceed.
