LAist Exclusive Investigation
-
Dennis Block runs what he says is California’s “leading eviction law firm.” A judge said legal citations submitted in Block's name for a recent case were fake. Six legal experts told LAist the errors likely stemmed from AI misuse.
-
Most L.A. tenants don’t have an attorney in eviction court. If you’re facing an eviction, here’s how to start looking for legal aid.
LAist reporters and a panel of experts answered your questions about the latest renter rules in L.A. County.
The Eviction Moratorium
The pandemic-era tenant protections expired in March. But even as COVID-19 rules end, new policies are taking their place. If you rent anywhere in L.A. County, we've got you covered.
-
Despite L.A.’s ongoing protections for renters with unauthorized pets, some tenants are being told to get rid of their pets — or give up their homes.
-
The city’s program aims to help low-income tenants pay off debts they accrued early in the pandemic.
-
L.A. County renters are losing COVID-19 protections, but other safeguards will remain in place.
-
L.A. tenants who didn't pay rent early in the COVID-19 pandemic must repay their debts by Tuesday. If they don’t, they could lose their housing.
-
The idea of a renter’s right to counsel has been floated in L.A. for years. With new voter-approved funding, plans are moving forward.
Support your source for local news!
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is explicitly exempted from state and local laws that limit the size of rent increases. This is the final part of a four-part series.
Read the full series below:
Read the full series below:
Understanding Section 8
What is Section 8?
-
Section 8 is the country’s largest rental assistance program, providing federal subsidies that enable low-income tenants to pay no more than a third of their income on rent.
-
But the number of vouchers pales in comparison to the overwhelming demand for affordable housing in cities like Los Angeles, where sharply rising rents have long outpaced sluggish wage growth.
What questions do you have about housing in Southern California?
If you’re facing a rent increase, eviction or need help affording rent in L.A. check out this list of resources.
Rent Control
-
Next month, rent hike limits under a key state law will fall from 10% to 8.8% for many SoCal renters. Here’s what to do if your landlord demands more.
-
How Much Can My Rent Go Up Right Now? Here’s Your LA Rent Hike Cheat SheetAllowable rent hikes depend on where you live, and in what type of building. Here’s your guide to figuring it all out.
-
Despite COVID rent freezes, tenants still get demands from landlords to pay more. Whether they can fight back depends on where they live.
Latest Renting Stories
-
Empty nesters own more L.A. homes than millennials with kids. Here’s how some older homeowners are finding ways to spread their wealth.
-
Everyone agrees the shortage is real and damaging. Potential solutions: Incentives, requirements, even a return to government-owned housing.
-
The severe lack of family friendly housing has millennial parents asking: Is leaving Southern California our only option?
-
The mayor’s affordable housing program was supposed to exempt projects from lengthy reviews, which had been stalling many developments. The city had still accepted some appeals.
-
Mark your calendars! This Thursday is Feb. 29, a day that only occurs on leap years. Get ready with these leap year facts.
-
The city passed a law against harassing renters in 2021. But tenant advocates say enforcement has been lacking.
-
If you adopted a pet during the pandemic, housing rights advocates say you should take a crucial step by March 5.
-
Airbnb hosts in unincorporated areas of L.A. County could soon be barred from renting out properties they don’t live in.
-
One of L.A. County’s busiest tenant law firms prevailed this week when a jury ruled in their favor.
-
A pro-housing group has filed a second lawsuit challenging the city’s retroactive ban of fast-tracked affordable housing in lower-density neighborhoods.