HOUSING & TENANTS GUIDE

The City of Los Angeles Declaration of Local Emergency effective on March 4, 2020, terminated on February 1, 2023. The provisions apply to all residential rental units in the City of Los Angeles.

The City of Los Angeles COVID-19 eviction protections for non-payment of rent have expired. Beginning February 1, 2024, renters must pay their full current monthly rent to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent. Tenants who receive an eviction complaint from the court called an Unlawful Detainer must file an answer with the court within FIVE DAYS or risk losing by default without getting to go to trial. For assistance, please contact stayhousedla.org or call (888) 694-0040. 

See link here: https://www.stayhousedla.org/ 

Annual rent increases are prohibited for rental units subject to the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) through January 31, 2024. Effective February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024, the RSO allowable rent increase is 4%. An additional 1% for gas and 1% for electric service can be added if the landlord provides the service to the tenant. State law requires landlords to provide an advance 30-day written notice for rent increases of less than 10%. 

To find out if your unit is subject to the RSO, CLICK HERE (zimas.lacity.org). Enter your address, click the Housing tab, and RSO status will be indicated for the property.

Non-Payment of Rent

The City’s local COVID emergency order expired on January 31, 2023. Beginning February 1, 2023, tenants must pay their full current monthly rent in order to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent. Low-income renters with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) that could not pay rent due to COVID-19 financial impact continued to have protections through March 31, 2023, if they notified their landlord within 7 days of the rent due date unless extenuating circumstances existed. 

State Law on Non-Payment of Rent Eviction Protections

Tenants who provided their landlord with a COVID-19 Related Declaration of Financial Distress Form by the 15-Day deadline for rent owed from March 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020, cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent from that period. A landlord can pursue a court action in small claims court for this rent. Tenants who provided their landlord with a COVID-19 Related Declaration of Financial Distress Form by the 15-Day deadline AND paid 25% of their rent to the landlord for rent owed from September 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent from that period. A landlord can pursue a court action in small claims court for this rent.

COVID-19 Rental Debt

Tenants who are not covered by the Declaration of Financial Distress process described above continue to have protections for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt and must pay their debt as follows in order to avoid eviction:

• Rent owed from March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021, tenants must pay by August 1, 2023.
• Rent owed from October 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023, tenants must pay by February 1, 2024.

At-Fault Evictions for Additional Tenants and Pets

Eviction protections for unauthorized occupants or pets due to COVID-19 will continue through January 31, 2024.

Just Cause Tenant Eviction Protections

Effective January 27, 2023, eviction protections now apply to most rental properties in the City of Los Angeles, including single-family homes, and condominiums. Rental units built after October 1, 1978, that are not currently covered by the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) are covered by the City’s Just Cause Eviction Protections Ordinance. Tenants become protected at the end of their first lease, or 6 months after a new lease, whichever comes first. The new protections require that landlords must have a legal reason to evict a tenant. Tenant no-fault evictions require the payment of relocation assistance such as owner occupancy, government order, demolition, or withdrawal of the rental property from the rental housing market. 

Click here for a list of at-fault legal reasons for eviction. 
https://housing2.lacity.org/rental-property-owners/tenant-is-at-fault-for-eviction-owners 

Click here for a list of no-fault legal reasons for eviction. 
https://housing2.lacity.org/rental-property-owners/tenant-is-not-at-fault-for-eviction-owners 

Notice to Terminate Tenancy/Eviction Filing

Effective January 27, 2023, any written notice terminating a tenancy for a tenant at-fault legal reason must be filed with the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) within three (3) business days of service on the tenant per Los Angeles Municipal Code 151.09.C.9 & 165.05.B.5. At-fault eviction notices can be uploaded here. All no-fault evictions must be filed with LAHD, submit required fees, and pay the tenant relocation assistance. Please click here for the Declaration of Intent to Evict forms required for all no-fault reasons and information on how to submit the forms.

Protections Notice

All landlords of residential properties must provide a Notice of Renters’ Protections to tenants who begin or renew their tenancy on or after January 27, 2023. This notice must also be posted in an accessible common area of the property. Click here to download the Protections Notice.

See link here: https://housing2.lacity.org/protectionsnotice 

RSO Rent Increase

Annual rent increases for rental units subject to the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) are prohibited through January 31, 2024. The City Council approved a 4% rent increase for properties subject to the RSO from February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. An additional 1% for gas and 1% for electric service can be added if the landlord provides the service to the tenant. State law requires landlords to provide an advance 30-day written notice for rent increases of less than 10%. 

To determine if your unit is subject to the RSO, click here. (zimas.lacity.org). Enter your address, click the Housing tab, and the RSO status will be indicated for the property. For questions, please call the LAHD hotline at 866-557-7368. 

Economic Displacement (More than 10% Rent Increase)

Effective March 27, 2023, tenants who receive a rent increase of more than 10% within 12 months and are unable to afford the rent increase have the option to receive relocation assistance to move out of their rental unit instead. The relocation amount is based on the bedroom size of the rental unit. Relocation assistance for tenants who rent a Single Family Dwelling (SFD) is one month’s rent if the landlord is a natural person who owns no more than four (4) residential units and a SFD on a separate lot in the City of Los Angeles.

Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent

Effective March 27, 2023, landlords may not evict a tenant who falls behind in rent unless the tenant owes an amount higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR). The FMR depends on the bedroom size of the rental unit. For example, if a tenant rents a 1-bedroom unit and the rent is $1,500, the landlord cannot evict the tenant since the rent owed is less than the FMR for a 1-bedroom unit.

City of Los Angeles COVID-19 Ordinances

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. On March 15th, former Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti issued an Emergency Order which implemented measures to protect the public and contain the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, on March 23rd the Mayor issued a temporary moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent for tenants who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ordinance No.186585 effective March 31, 2020, provided additional protections and effective May 12, 2020, Ordinance No. 186606, further expanded tenants protections during the local emergency in response to COVID-19. Together, these actions were designed to prevent unnecessary housing displacement and to prevent housed individuals from falling into homelessness.

From March 30, 2020 through January 31, 2024, rent increases are prohibited for rental units subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). For more information please read the Ordinance 18660.

Link: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-0407_ORD_186607_05-12-2020.pdf

Eviction Defense Program (EDP) / Right to Council

In September 2020, the Council and Mayor approved the adoption of an Eviction Defense Program (EDP) that provides funding to a collaboration of legal services providers and community outreach nonprofits overseen by the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) to mitigate the potential disproportionate eviction impact on low-income communities after tenant eviction moratoriums expire.

RESOURCES

Stay Housed L.A. is a partnership between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles and local community and legal service providers. The program provides free legal assistance to tenants facing wrongful eviction. Income eligible tenants receive the legal help they need to stay in their homes. For more information, visit https://www.stayhousedla.org/.

Landlord Tenant Legal Services

Agencies listed below provide a variety of assistance on landlord/tenant issues, rent stabilization, code enforcement, housing matters, and evictions. 

Rent Stabilization, Habitability, and Code Enforcement 

Coalition for Economic Survival (CES) - The Coalition for Economic Survival is a multi-racial, multi-culture grass-roots community-based organization that has been dedicated to organizing low and moderate income people to win economic and social justice throughout the greater Los Angeles area since 1973.

See link here: https://www.cesinaction.org/ 

Housing Rights Center (HRC) - The Housing Rights Center (HRC) is the nation's largest non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to securing and promoting Fair Housing.

See link here: https://www.housingrightscenter.org/ 

Inquilinos Unidos/ United Tenants - Inquilinos Unidos (United Tenants) empowers low-income Los Angeles tenants through community organizing, education and advocacy.

See link here: https://www.inquilinosunidos.org/ 

Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs - The County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has a long history of working to ensure a fair marketplace for L.A. County residents.

See link here: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/ 

Mental Health Advocacy Services - Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. (MHAS) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1977 to provide free legal services to people with mental health disabilities.

See link here: https://www.mhas-la.org/history-and-mission 

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles - Founded in 1965 as part of the nation’s War on Poverty, NLSLA is now one of the largest and most prominent public interest law offices in California.

See link here: https://nlsla.org/who/ 

 Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) - Since 1996, SAJE has been a force for economic justice in Los Angeles focused on tenant rights, healthy housing, and equitable development.

See link here: https://www.saje.net/about/ 

Legal and Eviction Services

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AJSOCAL is the leading civil rights advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. They combat discrimination, offer free legal services and workshops in Southern California, and drive policy change from local to national levels.

See link here: https://www.ajsocal.org/ 

Bet Tzedek Legal Services - Bet Tzedek provides person-centered legal services that integrate with social support services, educate community members with the powerful knowledge of their legal rights, and uses our collective voice to reform systems.

See link here: https://bettzedek.org/ 

Disability Rights California (DRC) - Disability Rights California (DRC) is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities.

See link here: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/about-us 

Housing Rights Center (HRC) - The Housing Rights Center (HRC) is the nation's largest non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to securing and promoting Fair Housing.

See link here: https://www.housingrightscenter.org/about 

Inner City Law Center - Inner City Law Center fights for housing and justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, immigrants, people who are disabled or living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans.

See link here: https://innercitylaw.org/what-we-do/ 

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) - Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved – leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. 

See link here: https://lafla.org/who-we-are/ 

Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ) - LACLJ secures justice for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and empowers them to create their own futures.

See link here: https://www.laclj.org/ 

Mental Health Advocacy Services - The mission of Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) is to protect and advance the legal rights of low-income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights in order to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive.

See link here: https://www.mhas-la.org/history-and-mission 

Renters Relief Registry Expansion

Work on the City’s Rent Registry Ordinance was launched on January 1, 2017, requiring landlords to provide the rent amount and tenancy information for every rental unit subject to the City’s RSO. The Rent Registry Online Portal can be found here:   https://housingbill.lacity.org/RentRegistry

The Registry provides an effective means to keep tenants informed about important information regarding programs or other opportunities and can be used to outreach to tenants as such opportunities or needs arise.

Affirmative Defense

Tenants facing eviction have an affirmative defense if the proposed eviction is for non-payment of rent and the tenant’s inability to pay rent results from circumstances related to the COVID-19 emergency. Tenants or their attorneys can raise the existence of this moratorium as a defense in an Unlawful Detainer action. Tenants and their attorneys may argue that they are an Affected Tenant by providing documentation to the Landlord that they have lost substantial income.

LAHD Administrative Process

Additionally, the Los Angeles Housing  Department (LAHD) will intake tenant complaints and inform both landlords and tenants of the requirements of the renter protections. LAHD will conduct an investigation similar to the existing process for enforcement of tenant protections under the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).

Eviction complaints can be filed:

Electronically at: https://housing2.lacity.org/File-a-Complaint 

Telephone Hotline at (866) 557-7368.

Complaints will be assigned to a Housing Investigator, who will investigate the tenant’s claim and advise the landlord and tenant of their findings.

Housing Programs / Resources

Los Angeles County Housing Resource Center - Since 2007, this community resource has helped people list and locate housing in the County of Los Angeles, including affordable, special needs, emergency housing, and more. Listing and searches are free.

See link here: https://housing.lacounty.gov/ 

City of Los Angeles Affordable and Accessible Housing Registry - Search for accessible and affordable housing in the City of Los Angeles here. 

See link here: https://lahousing.lacity.org/AAHR 

Accessible Housing Program - The Accessible Housing Program (AcHP) ensures that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to rent, enjoy, and use affordable rental housing funded by the City of Los Angeles or the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles.

See link here: https://lahousing.lacity.org/AAHR 

Handyworker Program - The Handyworker Program provides free minor home repairs for low income seniors and persons with disabilities to address basic health, safety, security, and accessibility needs to enable them to age at home

See link here: https://housing2.lacity.org/residents/handyworker-program 

Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) - Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS, also known as HOPWA, is a federally-funded program that provides assistance with housing and supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. 

See link here: https://housing2.lacity.org/housing/services-for-persons-living-with-hiv-aids

POTENTIAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

JUST CAUSE ORDINANCE (JCO)

Q: What units are covered by the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO)?

A: The Just Cause Ordinance (JCO) covers most residential properties in the City of Los Angeles that are not regulated by the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance.  In order to apply to a tenancy, it requires that the tenant either have lived in the same unit for 6 months or that their initial original lease expired, whichever comes first.  There are other specific exceptions to the JCO such as licensed care facilities, landlord roommates, transient hotels, some non-profits facilities for the homeless or short term treatments related to substance abuse, HACLA owned properties and government paid for rent to help homeless.

The JCO requires a legal reason to terminate tenancy, requires relocation assistance for no-fault evictions, but does not regulate rent increase. See ordinance here: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0042-S3_ord_187737_1-27-23.pdf 

Q: Are single-family dwellings (SFD) covered by the Just Cause Ordinance (JCO)?

A: Yes, SFDs are covered under JCO however, the relocation assistance amount varies. If the owner of the SFD is a natural person, including natural persons who hold properties in a trust or registered legal entity controlled by a natural person, who owns no more than four dwelling units and a SFD on a separate lot in the City of Los Angeles, the relocation assistance amount is one month’s rent that was in effect when the landlord served the written notice to terminate the tenancy.

Q: Does the Just Cause Ordinance regulate rent increases?

A: No, the JCO only provides legal reasons for eviction. However, AB 1482 may regulate the rent amount in buildings that are at least 15 years or older. Effective August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, the maximum allowable increase is 10%.  (The percentage may change every year. Annual rent increases are limited to no more than 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living for the region in which the property is located, or 10% whichever is lower).

PROTECTIONS NOTICE

Q: I am a landlord and my tenant moved in two years ago. Do I still have to post the new Notice since it was before January 27, 2023?

A: Yes, you must post the Notice on the property and only issue the Notice to the tenant if they moved in or renewed their tenancy on or after January 27, 2023. The Notice must be posted in an accessible common area of the property. If a common area does not exist, post it where it is visible to the tenant(s).

COVID-19 RENTAL DEBT

Q: My landlord is pressing for a repayment plan for the unpaid COVID-19 debt. Can landlords require tenants to agree to a repayment plan although my income is still impacted by COVID-19?

A: No, a tenant is not required to enter into a repayment plan for unpaid rent. However, it is a good idea to keep your landlord updated on when you will be able to pay back the rent if possible. Tenants have until August 1, 2023, to pay back unpaid COVID-19 debt from rent owed from 3/1/2020 to 9/30/2021; and rent owed from 10/1/2021 to 1/31/2023 tenants must pay by February 1, 2024.

Q: My apartment is in the City of LA, does the County provision still apply to me if I am low-income and unable to pay rent due to COVID-19 for the months of February and March 2023?

A: Yes, the County provision applies to City residents that meet the County provisions and provide the landlord Notice within 7 days of the rent due date. Click here for a sample notice to provide to your landlord. 

Q: I am still impacted by COVID-19, will my landlord be able to evict me if I do not pay my rent beginning on April 1, 2023?

A: Yes, tenants must pay their full current monthly rent since there are no longer eviction protections due to COVID-19 for non-payment of rent beginning April 1, 2023. Tenants still have eviction protections for unpaid COVID-19 rental debt accrued from 3/1/2020 to 1/31/2023.

EVICTION NOTICES

Q: I am a landlord and want to know if I have to file the eviction notice with LAHD after I serve the tenant a 3-Day Notice or when I file the Unlawful Detainer in Court.

A: In this case, the 3-Day Notice must be filed with LAHD within 3 business days of providing it to the tenant. 

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Q: I noticed relocation assistance for a Single-Family Dwelling (SFD) is lower for a no-fault eviction for properties subject to JCO. Is a condominium the same as an SFD.

A: No, a condominium is not a Single-Family Dwelling. A condominium would not be eligible for the lower relocation amount for a no-fault eviction under JCO or for Economic Displacement.

Q: What is the difference between an eligible tenant and a qualified tenant for relocation assistance?

A: The amount of relocation assistance depends on whether the tenant is an Eligible or Qualified tenant, the length of tenancy, and the tenant’s income. Please click here for more information.

EVICTION HELP FOR LA CITY RENTERS

If you’re at risk of being evicted, there’s help available for you.

Do not self-evict without receiving advice.

If you receive a LA Superior Court Documentation (SUMMONS & COMPLAINT-UNLAWFUL DETAINER [UD]) you MUST respond and file an Answer within FIVE days, or you will be evicted without a trial. For assistance, contact any of the following agencies:

Important Information for Los Angeles City Renters

REMEMBER City of Los Angeles renters have eviction protections:

Your landlord must provide a legal reason for eviction. Depending on the reason for the eviction, landlords must provide relocation assistance.

Your landlord can collect past due rent but not evict you for this debt if the unpaid rent was due to COVID-19 and you notified your landlord between certain dates.

Through January 31, 2024, you cannot be evicted for unauthorized occupants or pets added to your tenancy due to COVID-19.

Tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent if the tenant owes rent less than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of their rental unit . For example, if a tenant rents a 1-bedroom unit and the rent is $1,500, the landlord cannot evict the tenant since the rent owed is less than the FMR for a 1-bedroom unit.

United to House Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ULA ERAP)

THE APPLICATION IS CLOSED FOR TENANT AND SMALL LANDLORD PROVIDERS

ULA ERAP Hotline

Hotline: (866) 557-7368
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

TTY line (for hearing or speech impaired): 711

To look up the status of a ULA ERAP application which begins with the prefix “ULA” please check below:

Check the Status of a ULA ERAP Application

https://lahd.service-now.com/ula_erap?id=ula_erap_status_lookup 

ULA ERAP Application Hotline 1(888) 379-3150

Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tenant Information & Eligibility

The program will cover up to six months of rental arrears. To be eligible, a tenant's household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and meet the following requirements:

1. Be a resident of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status. To verify if you live in the City of Los Angeles, go to neighborhoodinfo.lacity.gov.
2. One or more individuals within the household have experienced a loss of employment, reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship between March 2020 and now.
3. Have unpaid rent due to their current landlord for any month(s) between April 1, 2020, through now.
4. The current household income is at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).

*Participants of Section 8 housing choice voucher, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), or living in project-based Section 8 or public housing are not eligible to apply to the program.

Prioritization

Priority will be given to applications from households with income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applicants that do not meet the eligibility priority may be processed at a later time.

Once the above priority is met, the following applications will be selected that meet the following criteria:

• Households with minor children and/or seniors aged 65 and above or people with disabilities.
• Households that are extremely rent burdened, paying more than 50% of total household income for rent each month.
• Households that are at high risk of becoming homeless (include, but is not limited to households with past due rent or an eviction notice, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions; or any other evidence of such risk.
• Households for whom up to six months’ rent in its entirety will satisfy their entire debt for the unit they currently inhabit; or who have entered into an agreement to repay the remaining balance affordably;

Payment

The program will pay a maximum of six months of unpaid rent. Financial assistance will only be payable to the landlord of the rental property. It is highly recommended that tenants communicate with their landlord and provide accurate contact information for their landlord to avoid problems or delays in applications being funded. Note landlords who own more than 12 rental units whose tenants may have already applied during the tenant application period continue to be eligible for the program. Landlords that own more than 12 units must wait to receive a tenant notification of their eligibility and then submit the required landlord documentation. The Small Landlord application is only available to landlords that own 12 or fewer units.

About the Small Landlord Providers

The City of Los Angeles United to House Los Angeles (ULA) Emergency Renters Assistance Program landlord application was only available for landlords who own 12 or fewer units. To be eligible, the rental property must be located in the City of Los Angeles.

Details:

Once a landlord application has been submitted, the tenant will be invited to apply to the ULA ERAP. Tenants who may have applied and have an existing application will be paired with the landlord’s application to expedite processing to determine if the tenant meets the ULA ERAP eligibility criteria.

The ULA ERAP will provide up to six months of rental arrears to low-income residential renters who are at risk of homelessness due to unpaid rent as a result of COVID-19 or other financial hardship. Rental arrears will only be provided to landlords on behalf of tenants that meet the ULA ERAP eligibility criteria, and the landlord has provided the following:

Proof of Landlord Photo Identification

• Proof of Property Ownership
• A Completed W 9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
• Proof of the tenant's current monthly and past due rent

TENANTS FAQ’s

I have a pending application with the COVID-19 Housing Is Key Program. Can I still apply for the ULA ERAP, or is it best to wait for the outcome of my application first?

If you have a pending application or are waiting for an outcome of an appeal with the State’s Housing Is Key Program, you should apply to ULA ERAP and indicate the months of all of your unpaid rent.

When can I file an application?

New applications will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 through Monday, October 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

How do I file an application?

Renters can complete an application online or by telephone beginning on September 19, 2023. The application can also be completed by calling the ULA ERAP hotline Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To apply in person, visit one of our 15 locations throughout the City. To find a location near you, click here.

Are the 2023 80% AMI guidelines for total income before or after tax?

Household income is the total household income earned, so the household’s income must be at or below this amount before taxes, depending on the number of people in the household.

Can renters living in single-family rental properties apply?

Yes, renters living in single-family rental properties may apply.

I rent a condominium, will I be eligible to apply?

Condominiums located in the City of Los Angeles are eligible for the program.

Can I apply if my name is not on the lease or rental contract? I have always lived in the rental unit and recently divorced, however, my landlord has refused to update the lease agreement.

Applicants need to provide documentation that they live in the rental unit and pay rent. It does not need to be the lease/rental agreement. It could be some other document that connects them to that address, such as a notice from the landlord or a utility bill.

As a renter, do I need to be behind in rent to be eligible for the program?

Yes, a tenant does need to demonstrate they owe unpaid rent anytime from April 2020 through now. The program priority is to pay an eligible tenant’s past-due rent for the period of April 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021.

Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for the program?

No, the program is open to all renters, regardless of immigration status.

What kind of information will I need to provide to confirm my eligibility to receive financial assistance under the ULA Emergency Renters Assistance Program?

A tenant will be required to provide:

1. Proof that they are a resident in the City of Los Angeles, such as an identification card, etc.
2. Proof of residential tenancy, such as a rental agreement/lease, or a notice issued by your current landlord, utility bill, etc.
3. Proof of current and past due rental amount, such as a rent receipt, or rental ledger, etc.
4. Proof of household income, such as a tax return, 1099 or employer contact information, etc.
5. Proof of loss of employment, reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or other financial hardship between March 2020 and now.

If I do not have proof of income such as tax returns or pay stubs, how can I prove my income level?

If a tenant does not have tax returns or pay stubs, they can provide an Employer Statement with contact information such as name, address, phone, date of employment & income earned.

I have a government-issued photo ID, but it reflects my previous address, not my current one in Los Angeles. I have all the other proof that I am a renter in LA. Will this be an issue as I apply for the ULA Emergency Renters Assistance Program?

Your government-issued photo ID with a different address will still be used to confirm your identity. You may provide a different document to prove your tenancy, such as a recent notice addressed in your name from your current landlord, or a utility bill in your name with your rental unit address.

Does this program apply to subtenants?

A subtenant is eligible to apply for the program. However, as for all applicants, the landlord who will receive the payment must be the person in charge of the property. Financial assistance cannot be payable to a master tenant.

I live with unrelated roommates and we split the rent and utilities. I lost my job, however, my roommates are still employed and paying their portion of the rent, but I am no longer able to afford my portion. Do I still qualify for the program although my roommates’ combined incomes exceed 80% of the AMI household income requirements?

Household income is based on the total income of all members (related & unrelated) living in the same rental unit, so the total household income of all the roommates must be at or below 80% of AMI.

If I do not have the owner’s information, can I enter the property manager’s contact information?

Yes, we need the information for your landlord, the property owner, or the management company you pay your rent. This way, if you are selected for the program, we know the person in charge to contact and pay the financial assistance on your behalf.

If I am chosen to receive financial assistance, am I obligated to pay it back?

The financial assistance will be paid directly to the landlord on the tenant’s behalf.

I am in the process of moving to a new unit. Do I still qualify for financial assistance?

If you are selected and no longer live at the current rental unit address listed on the application, you are no longer eligible for the program.

Who is the rental arrears paid to?

The rental arrears are paid directly to the landlord. The rent subsidy will not be paid to the landlord unless the tenant and the landlord have provided documentation to prove their eligibility.

Does my landlord have to do anything to receive the financial assistance?

In order for a landlord to receive the assistance, the landlord will be required to provide the following documents: 

• Proof of Landlord Identification
• Proof of Ownership
• Proof of the tenant’s current monthly and past due rent.
• A Completed W9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

If a tenant is selected to receive financial assistance, can a tenant receive reimbursement for rent already paid to the landlord?

No, there is no reimbursement or back pay. The financial assistance is intended for rent-burdened tenants who were unable to pay their full rent due to loss of employment, reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship between March 2020 and now.

I submitted the application more than once. Will both applications be disqualified?

No. The last application you file will be kept and any earlier applications will be deleted.

How do I know if my landlord was paid?

Your status will be “Closed Landlord Paid.”

Will undocumented or mixed-status tenant households who receive the financial assistance (grant) be impacted by the Public Charge Rule?

The rental grant should not have consequences under the public charge regulations. Participants should contact an immigration attorney with any specific questions.

My landlord is not applying my rent assistance correctly to my rent. What can I do now?

Please direct your landlord to this information page so they can better understand how to apply the rental assistance. For additional questions, you may email lahd.erap@lacity.org.

My application status has been Tenant Application Received since I applied. When will I be notified if I will be eligible for this program?

Applicants who have met the first round of priority eligibility have been notified. Your application can still be selected if funding permits.

My application status has been Tenant Application Received since I applied. When will I be notified if I will be eligible for this program?

Applicants who have met the first round of priority eligibility have been notified. Your application can still be selected if funding permits.

My application was approved. However, my landlord has not responded; what can I do so I can receive renter assistance to cover my unpaid rent?

The program guidelines require a landlord to participate in order for financial assistance to be paid by the program. Please ensure you have provided the correct contact information for your landlord to respond. If your landlord has opted out of the program (check the status of your application online) or has informed you they do not want to participate, you may use this as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer if your landlord attempts to evict you. For more information regarding Los Angeles Municipal Code 45.67 and 45.68, please contact the Housing Rights Center at (800) 477-5977.