What L.A. renters should know now that COVID tenant protections are gone

Bianca Lopez, 25, left, an outreach worker, and La Bomba Jackson, coordinator with We Are Los Angeles, a project of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, shown with Maria Amezquita, of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, far right, inform tenants of their rights at an apartment complex on Jan. 18, 2024. Most renter protection programs launched during the pandemic in Los Angeles have expired, and tenants who couldn’t pay rent due to economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak must pay rent again starting Thursday. “These tenants are essentially on the track to economic catastrophe, and there’s not much being done for them.” Rent increases can resume Evictions for nonpayment can resume starting Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Housing Department. “The key thing for every tenant to know is their rights, and they need to not just react to whatever notice they get for from their landlord,” Gross said about rent increases and eviction notices. “These pets have helped people get through difficult times, and tenants should not be evicted from their homes because of the pets.” Rent relief from the city Mayor Karen Bass’ office encourages renters to know their rights and suggests tenants who face eviction contact the Housing Department hotline at 557-7368.