Legal Representation for Tenants Becomes Mandatory — Are You Compliant?

Effective August 25, 2025, the City of Los Angeles is rolling out a new legal requirement that all rental housing providers need to understand. It’s called the Right to Counsel Program Ordinance, and it gives tenants free legal representation when facing eviction proceedings.

While the goal is to protect vulnerable renters, this new law brings additional administrative duties and legal exposure for property owners and managers operating in the City of Los Angeles.

More Legal Protections for Tenants, More Requirements for Owners

If you own or manage multifamily property in Los Angeles, you are now legally obligated to take specific actions at the start of a tenancy and during any potential eviction process.

Under the new ordinance, you must:

Distribute a “Notice of Right to Counsel” at Lease Signing

• This must be provided in the tenant’s primary language at the start of the lease agreement.
• Multilingual versions will soon be made available via the city’s website.

Include the Notice With Any Eviction-Related Communication

• Attach the notice to all eviction notices or rental subsidy termination notices (including Section 8 cases).

Post the Notice in Common Areas

• The notice must be visibly displayed in a shared space within the property.
• English-language signage will be available for purchase from the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

If you fail to meet these new requirements, tenants have the right to raise your noncompliance as a legal defense in eviction proceedings—potentially delaying or blocking legal action, regardless of cause.

In short, not following the ordinance could cost you time, money, and control over your asset.

How Lucrum Helps You Stay Ahead

At Lucrum Real Estate Group, we help apartment owners navigate legal changes like these with clarity and confidence. This ordinance highlights the importance of having a well-structured lease process, consistent operational protocols, and advisory support to avoid costly missteps.

Here’s how to protect your investment:

• Review and update your lease and onboarding process to ensure the Right to Counsel notice is included at lease-up.
• Train your property managers and staff on compliance requirements when serving notices or handling Section 8 documentation.
• Post required signage promptly in all affected buildings to stay legally protected.
• Lean on professional advisory support to stay aligned with shifting regulations and avoid legal exposure.

What This Means for Apartment Investors

By acting early, you can:

• Minimize risk of legal disputes
• Maintain tenant trust and regulatory compliance
• Protect asset performance in a more tenant-friendly legal landscape
• Stay focused on long-term portfolio growth—not courtroom delays

Partner with Lucrum for Clarity & Confidence

Lucrum’s Valuation & Advisory Services provide you with expert insight into your property’s true value—so you can make smarter decisions with confidence.

With over 50 years of combined commercial real estate experience, our team offers the knowledge, proven strategies, and institutional relationships needed to maximize returns and minimize legal and operational risk.

Contact us to discuss how this new law may impact your holdings — we’re here to help.

Source: AGGLA