The motions build on previous county actions, including a temporary eviction protection for wildfire-affected workers
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved nearly $30 million in emergency rent relief and directed county officials to explore eviction protections for residents impacted by January wildfires and federal immigration enforcement actions.
The board unanimously passed two motions introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda L. Solis to establish an Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) with $29.8 million in funding. The program aims to assist wildfire survivors who lost homes or income, immigrant families facing financial hardship due to federal raids, low-income tenants at risk of eviction, and small landlords repairing fire-damaged affordable housing units.
“Los Angeles County will never look away when our neighbors are living in fear of losing both their homes and their livelihoods,” Horvath said. “Today, we invested nearly $30 million in rent relief and directed swift action to explore eviction protections so immigrant families and wildfire survivors can breathe easier.”
The ERRP includes three categories of assistance. Category 1 targets tenants countywide who meet specific criteria, such as residing in their rental unit before Jan. 7, 2025, having a 2024 household income at or below 150% of the area median income, and experiencing a financial impact from the wildfires exceeding 10% of their monthly income. Category 2 extends aid to displaced households who have exhausted FEMA or insurance benefits and small landlords repairing rent-stabilized units, offering up to six months of relief not exceeding $15,000. Category 3 supports tenant households facing sudden income loss due to federal immigration enforcement, also eligible for up to $15,000.
“Today’s motions are more than just relief. For many, they will be a vital lifeline,” said Solis, the board’s chair pro tem. “We know our residents, especially wildfire victims and those impacted by immigration raids, are navigating an incredibly difficult year.”
The funding comprises $10 million previously allocated—$1.211 million from American Rescue Plan Act-enabled funds and $8.789 million from Community First California Initiatives—plus an additional $19.788 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) will administer the program, set to launch within 90 days, with a progress report due in 150 days.
Additionally, the board directed County Counsel to explore options for an eviction moratorium to protect households affected by federal immigration actions. A written report is due within 14 days, with a verbal update scheduled for the Oct. 7 board meeting.
The motions build on previous county actions, including a temporary eviction protection for wildfire-affected workers that expired July 30. The new measures aim to prevent mass displacement amid overlapping crises, pairing direct financial aid with potential legal safeguards.
