by Christie Slatcher, February 2, 2023 (sourced by CAAnet)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors once again decides to extend the LA County Eviction Moratorium sixty more days, until March 31, 2023.
The county is using its emergency powers to extend the moratorium. Although the City of LA’s eviction moratorium ended on January 31st of this year, it will still be subject to the County’s moratorium rules for two more months. The good news is the Board also voted to provide up to $45 million in rental assistance to help those who are still in debt as a result of Covid-19. Details on how and when the funding will be distributed have not yet been disclosed.
Some key components of the LA County Eviction Moratorium are summarized as follows:
Non-Payment Restrictions – prohibits eviction based on non-payment of rent or other fees if the amount comes due after July 1, 2022 and all of the following restrictions are met:
- The resident’s inability to pay rent and/or related charges is due to financial impacts related to Covid-19, the state of emergency regarding Covid-19 or government recommended Covid-19 precautions;
- The resident must have a household income at or below 80% the area median income; and
- The resident must give the landlord notice of both their income ineligibility; and their qualifying Covid-19 hardship within seven days of rent coming due, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
However, the resident has the burden to prove the basis of their affirmative defense, including their inability to pay and their income eligibility.
No-Fault Eviction Protections – prohibits evictions for “no fault” reasons, except for those necessary for health and safety reasons and for owner move in, with certain conditions.
Permitted Owner Move-In Evictions – this allows for residents of triplexes, duplexes, condos or single-family homes to be displaced by an owner or qualified family member who plans to occupy the property. The owner or family member must also reside in the unit for 36 months or more and move in within 60 days after tenant vacates the property. Additionally, hefty relocation fees ranging between $7K and $21K must be paid to the displaced tenant, if notice is given before the moratorium ends.
At-Fault Eviction Protections – it permits most at-fault evictions (evictions based on something the resident did wrong) except for nuisance complaints or for maintaining an unauthorized pet or occupant that is present because of reasons related to the Covid pandemic. It also prohibits eviction for denial of entry.
For more complete details on the moratorium restrictions, click here for CAANET’s background paper.