The City of Los Angeles is experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis brought by the Coronavirus, which causes an acute respiratory illness called COVID-19.
On March 4, 2020, the Governor of the State of California declared a State of Emergency in California as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. That same day, the Mayor also declared a local emergency.
On March 16, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-28-20, which authorizes local jurisdictions to suspend certain evictions of renters and homeowners, among other protections. The Executive Order further authorizes the City of Los Angeles to implement additional measures to promote housing security and stability to protect public health and mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The economic impacts of COVID-19 have been significant and will have lasting repercussions for the residents of the City of Los Angeles. National, county, and city public health authorities issued recommendations, including, but not limited to, social distancing, staying home if sick, canceling or postponing large group events, working from home, and other precautions to protect public health and prevent transmission of this communicable virus. Residents most vulnerable to COVID-19, including those 65 years of age or older, and those with underlying health issues, have been ordered to self-quarantine, self-isolate, or otherwise remain in their homes. Non-essential businesses have been ordered to close. More recent orders from the Governor and the Mayor have ordered people to stay at home and only leave their homes to visit or work in essential businesses. As a result, many residents are experiencing unexpected expenditures or substantial loss of income as a result of business closures, reduced work hours, or lay-offs related to these government-ordered interventions. Those already experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable during this public health crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to undermine housing security and generate unnecessary displacement of City residents and instability of City businesses. Therefore, the City of Los Angeles has taken and must continue to take measures to protect public health, life, and property.
This ordinance temporarily prohibits evictions of residential tenants for failure to pay rent due to COVID-19 and prohibits evictions of residential tenants for no-fault reasons, for unauthorized occupants or pets, and for nuisance related to COVID-19. This ordinance also regulates certain evictions pursuant to the Ellis Act, Government Code Section 7060, et seq. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,736, Eff. 1/27/23.)