What Is the County of Los Angeles Eviction Moratorium?

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to Los Angeles County residents, especially tenants struggling to keep their homes amidst financial uncertainty. The County of Los Angeles Eviction Moratorium was introduced to address these hardships, offering vital protections against eviction for tenants impacted by the pandemic. While the moratorium has ended, understanding its provisions and available protections can help tenants navigate their rights and obligations.

What Was the Purpose of the Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium?

The eviction moratorium provides temporary relief to tenants facing economic hardships during the pandemic. Many residents struggled to meet rent obligations due to widespread job losses, reduced work hours, and increased medical expenses. The moratorium aimed to:

• Prevent homelessness by protecting tenants from eviction for nonpayment of rent;
• Promote public health by keeping people housed during a time when sheltering in place was critical; and
• Stabilize communities by reducing displacement and maintaining access to affordable housing.

This temporary measure provided a safety net for renters while ensuring landlords had clear guidelines to follow.

Who Did the Moratorium Protect?

The Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium offered protections to both residential and commercial tenants under specific circumstances. Key groups included:

• Residential tenants unable to pay rent due to pandemic-related hardships, such as job loss, reduced income, or increased expenses;
• Small business tenants affected by closures or revenue losses resulting from COVID-19 restrictions; and
• Mobile home park residents facing financial difficulties related to the pandemic.

To qualify for protections, tenants typically needed to notify their landlords of their inability to pay rent and provide documentation supporting their claims.

Key Dates and Deadlines for the Eviction Moratorium

Understanding the timeline of the eviction moratorium is crucial to grasp its implications:

• March 2020—the moratorium was initially enacted at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• January 2021—the protections were extended, incorporating new provisions under state and local laws;
• September 2021—California’s statewide eviction moratorium ended, but Los Angeles County continued its protections; and
• March 31, 2023—the County of Los Angeles Eviction Moratorium officially expired.

While the moratorium is no longer in effect, certain provisions may still influence ongoing disputes or repayment plans.

How Did the Moratorium Impact Rent Payment Obligations?

The moratorium provided temporary relief for tenants unable to pay rent due to pandemic-related hardships. However, it did not absolve tenants of their rent obligations. Here’s what tenants and landlords needed to know:

• Deferred payments. Tenants could delay rent payments during the moratorium but must repay the missed rent in installments after the protections ended.
• Documentation requirements. Tenants had to notify landlords of their inability to pay and provide evidence of their financial hardship, such as pay stubs, medical bills, or unemployment records.
• No late fees or penalties. Landlords were prohibited from charging late fees, interest, or penalties for unpaid rent during the moratorium.
• Repayment periods. Tenants were typically given extended timelines to repay deferred rent, ensuring they had time to recover financially.

The moratorium offered significant relief and legal protection for tenants who complied with these requirements.

Common Misconceptions About the Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium

The Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium provided critical protections during an unprecedented time but was widely misunderstood. Many tenants and landlords had misconceptions about what the moratorium did and didn’t allow.

Tenants Didn’t Have to Pay Rent

One of the most prevalent misconceptions was that tenants were excused from paying rent. The moratorium only deferred rent payments for those facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Tenants were still legally obligated to repay any unpaid rent, though they were granted an extended timeline to do so. For tenants unable to pay rent, clear communication with their landlords and documentation of financial hardship were critical to preserving their protections.

All Evictions Were Banned

Another common myth was that the moratorium completely halted all evictions. While the moratorium restricted evictions for nonpayment of rent due to pandemic-related financial hardship, it did not apply to every situation. Evictions could still occur for other reasons, such as:

• Violations of lease agreements,
• Criminal activity on the property, or
• Health and safety violations caused by tenants.

Landlords were required to provide proper notice and comply with all regulations to proceed with these types of evictions.

The Moratorium Canceled Rent Debt

Some tenants believed that the moratorium erased their rent debt. That was not the case. The moratorium deferred payments but did not eliminate the obligation to pay rent. Tenants were encouraged to create repayment plans with their landlords to avoid further complications. The extension of repayment deadlines allowed tenants to recover financially, but unpaid rent could still lead to legal disputes or credit consequences after the moratorium ended.

Landlords Could Not Take Any Action Against Tenants

While the moratorium limited evictions, it did not strip landlords of all legal options. Landlords could still:

• Serve tenants with proper notices, including repayment plans;
• File small claims actions for unpaid rent within certain limits; and
• Access financial assistance programs to recover lost income.

These measures provided landlords with some relief while maintaining tenant protections.

Addressing these misconceptions can help tenants and landlords better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the long-term implications of the Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium.

What Protections Still Apply in Los Angeles County?

While the countywide moratorium has expired, some protections and local ordinances continue to provide relief for tenants in Los Angeles County. Examples include:

• Landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid legal reason,
• Retaliatory evictions are prohibited,
• Rent stabilization ordinances remain in effect in certain areas of Los Angeles County,
• Tenants may still be eligible to negotiate repayment plans for rent accrued during the moratorium period,
• Landlords and tenants are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably before seeking legal action, and
• Landlords cannot engage in harassment to force tenants to vacate.

If you’re a tenant in Los Angeles County and concerned about eviction, familiarize yourself with local tenant protections. Keep open communication with your landlord, which can help resolve disputes and potentially avoid legal action. If you encounter issues, consult a qualified tenants’ rights attorney who can provide clarity and representation.

Contact Bartley Babcock to Help You Navigate Tenant Protections

With over a decade of experience in tenants’ rights advocacy, Bartley Babcock has successfully defended clients against wrongful evictions, negotiated favorable repayment plans, and protected their housing stability. Whether you’re dealing with a landlord dispute, harassment, or unclear legal obligations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t face eviction or housing insecurity alone. Contact the Law Office of Bartley Babcock today for a consultation, and let us help you safeguard your rights, home, and peace of mind.