You have rights under state, county, or city laws, as well as under an order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Under California state law and the CDC order, landlords are generally prohibited from evicting any tenant for not paying rent due to COVID-19-related financial distress or without a valid reason. To be protected against eviction, you must submit a declaration stating you cannot pay rent because of COVID-19 related loss of income or increased expenses, among other requirements. To find out more about how these laws work and about other tenant protections in your area, click here.

Stay Housed L.A. is a partnership between community organizations, legal service providers, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and the City of Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department. We provide Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles renters information about their rights as tenants and legal assistance to eligible tenants to help prevent evictions and keep people in their homes. For more information about your rights and to be connected with a local community organization, click here.

Temporary emergency protections have been passed by the State of California, as well as the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles and many of the 88 cities across the county. Your protections will vary based on where you live.

If you’ve lost income or have increased expenses because of COVID-19, and you can’t pay rent, you can defer payment. If you cannot pay your rent, you should tell your landlord in writing either before rent is due each month, or within 7 days after the due date. We recommend you use the AB832 Declaration to get protection under both laws. Even if it’s not required by your area’s tenant protection laws, we recommend all communication with your landlord be in writing.

You don’t have to give your landlord proof of decreased income or increased expenses, but you might want to do so anyway. It may make your landlord less likely to harass you. Evidence also makes your defense in court easier if your landlord tries to evict you. If you do not provide proof to your landlord, you should still collect and keep copies of any proof you may have. To find out more about emergency tenant protections in your area, click here.

*Note that rent is not canceled, and any unpaid rent will need to be repaid. Additional details about repayment of unpaid rent and rental assistance through state law can be found here.