LA County Board Decides Not to Extend Tenant Eviction Protections Further
L.A. County Supervisors Reject Tenant Eviction Protection Proposal
A recent proposal to enhance eviction protections for tenants in Los Angeles County was voted down by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, prompting visible dissatisfaction among supporters in attendance.
Last week, the board had directed its attorneys to draft an ordinance stipulating that renters in unincorporated areas must be at least two months behind on fair market rent before landlords can initiate eviction procedures. Currently, the threshold is set at one month of unpaid rent.
Attorneys are expected to present the drafted ordinance to the board within the next month.
However, tenant advocacy groups called for more comprehensive measures, proposing a three-month eviction threshold applicable countywide, including in incorporated cities. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath supported this initiative and introduced a motion last week aimed at implementing these changes. Unfortunately, her proposal did not receive a second from any board member, effectively halting any chance of a vote.
The rejection of Horvath’s motion elicited boos from the audience, with some attendees chanting "Cowards, cowards, cowards!" In response to the unrest, the board recessed into a closed session to consult with its attorneys on legal matters.
The previous decision to raise the eviction threshold to two months in unincorporated areas was attributed to the increasing financial strain on tenants. Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis cited recent federal immigration enforcement efforts, which they argue have discouraged some individuals from seeking work and adversely affected local businesses.
In Los Angeles County, the current fair market rent is estimated at $2,085 per month for a one-bedroom unit, while a two-bedroom unit averages $2,601.
