This article is sourced from Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs.

On June 30, 2021 emergency tenant protections are set to expire. That means, unless the protections are extended, you will have to go back to paying your full rent on time each month to avoid eviction. Lawmakers are considering an extension and may extend tenant protections past June 30, but it’s important for you to know your rights as a tenant and be prepared. 

When you know your rights, landlords are less likely to harass you or file evictions they know you have a defense to. 

To be protected from eviction for unpaid back rent, you’ll need to do the following: 

• Pay 25% of the rent that was due between September 2020 and June 2021 by June 30, 2021;
• AND have submitted declaration forms for each month you were unable to pay rent from March 2020 through June 2021. 

If you do these two things, your landlord cannot legally evict you. However, they may still decide to file an eviction case against you. Should that happen, taking these steps will give you a defense in court.  

Once the protections expire, any unpaid rent that was due between March 2020 and June 2021 must be paid within 12 months (July 1, 2022). No late fees can be charged on that amount, and you cannot be legally evicted, but your landlord can sue you in small claims court to collect the unpaid rent. 

If you are a low-to moderate-income tenant, Stay Housed L.A. provides free legal services, help you respond in writing to an eviction lawsuit or “Unlawful Detainer,” prepare a defense to the eviction, and represent you in court. They also hold regular workshops that cover important tenant protections and what you should do if your landlord tries to lock you out illegally or harass you.  You may register for upcoming tenant protection workshops at www.stayhousedla.org. 

Should you need initial assistance, Lucrum can guide you with its advisory, personalized commercial, and luxury real estate sales services.  Feel free to reach out to our team today.