Los Angeles City Council Rejects Proposal to Protect Tenants Affected by Wildfires
The Los Angeles City Council recently voted against a proposal aimed at providing eviction defense for residents economically impacted by the January wildfires. In a split decision of 6-5, the council failed to pass the proposal, which would have offered protection from certain evictions for tenants facing financial hardships as a result of the fires.
The motion, initially introduced by Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and Eunisses Hernandez, sought to protect tenants from eviction due to non-payment of rent or no-fault evictions if they could prove their financial distress was tied to the wildfires. The proposal also included a rent-hike moratorium for one year, but after facing pushback from other council members and landlords, the plan was heavily amended. Critics had labeled the motion as an "overreach of policy," but Hernandez maintained that it was crucial to prevent more people from falling into the cycle of eviction and homelessness.
Despite the revisions, the council rejected an amendment to expedite the policy with an 8-3 vote. Councilmember John Lee argued that such a proposal could have unintended consequences and exacerbate the city's housing crisis. Additionally, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield expressed concerns over how tenants would verify their financial hardship due to the wildfires. Councilmember Traci Park proposed using funds from Measure ULA, a 2022 tax measure aimed at funding housing programs, for emergency rental assistance, but this amendment was also voted down.
Measure ULA, which raises revenue from property sales over $5 million, is intended to fund various housing initiatives, including rental assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the city's Housing Department emphasized that a significant portion of the funds would need to be allocated to other areas as outlined in the measure, and any diversion could lead to legal complications.
Councilmembers also questioned the lack of data supporting the need for the proposed tenant protections. While officials from the Housing Department did not have precise figures, they estimated that evictions were on track with 2024 figures, averaging about 1,500 evictions per month. However, Soto-Martinez disputed these estimates, stating that evictions had increased to 2,400 since the start of the wildfires.
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, a tenant rights attorney, defended the proposal, stressing that even if the policy had been approved, landlords would still have the right to proceed with eviction proceedings, but tenants would be better protected. On the other hand, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez raised concerns about the potential impact on small landlords, particularly those who might face foreclosure.
Earlier this week, the City Council did approve an ordinance that temporarily prohibits landlords from evicting tenants who have taken in displaced individuals or pets due to the wildfires. This ordinance is similar to one implemented by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, which will remain in effect until May 31, 2026. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order barring evictions for tenants who sheltered displaced people due to the fires, although the order does not cover pets and is set to expire on March 8.
The failed proposal has left many renters in vulnerable situations, as they continue to face eviction threats while recovering from the devastating effects of the wildfires. Despite the setbacks, advocates for tenant protections continue to push for stronger safeguards for those impacted by natural disasters in the future.
