Los Angeles County commits to ending eviction moratorium by year's end

Abstract

Los Angeles County will move forward with a plan to lift its pandemic-era eviction moratorium and other renter protections by the end of the year, according to a 3-2 vote Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. Officials will "Perform robust outreach" to make sure that tenants and landlords in the county's 88 cities are prepared for the end of the renter protections, said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who introduced the motion. "Given the resources we put into play, the financial resources to help both tenants and landlords to collect back rent, it's time for us to begin moving forward," she said during Tuesday's meeting. Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who voted against Tuesday's motion cementing the expiration date, called the end of the renter protections "Premature" and said she intends to introduce another motion that would prevent no-fault evictions and limit how much landlords can raise rent. Supervisor Hilda Solis, who also voted against the motion, said 58% of the renter households in her district are cost-burdened. "Unfortunately for far too many it is far too late. I have spoken to too many owners who have been compelled to sell their properties at discounts or while in foreclosure, and with their loss, the county will lose a very important asset, which is that of naturally occurring affordable housing." The city of Los Angeles is also considering lifting many of its protections against evictions and rent increases under a proposal released by the city housing department last month. Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, called the lifting of renter protections an "Outrageous and insensitive action." "What the city and county is providing is a New Year's present for renters that they clearly don't want," he said.