ONE BIG THING: FAQs ABOUT PREVENTING AN EVICTION EMERGENCY
What’s happening?
This past Tuesday was the deadline for repayment of COVID rent debt accrued from March 1st, 2020 through September 30th, 2021. That means that if more than one month’s rent is still unpaid, landlords are legally allowed to begin the eviction process.
What do you do if you receive an eviction notice?
The most important thing to know is that if you receive an eviction notice, DO NOT SELF-EVICT. Instead, you should file a response with the court within 5 days and call LA's Housing Department Hotline at 866-557-7368.
What is self-evicting?
Self-evicting means leaving your home voluntarily before losing an eviction case or not filing a response within 5 days of receiving an Eviction Notice, which should say phrases like “unlawful detainer” or “summons - eviction”.
As soon as you receive your notice, your landlord may try and harass you out of your home. Do not leave.
Why is it so important to respond?
If you don't file a formal response within 5 days of receiving an eviction notice, you can automatically lose your case.
Responding may also provide you up to 4-6 months to access resources before eviction proceedings begin.
Where else can you access resources and more information?
- First, read StayHoused LA’s step-by-step guide to filing a response.
- Next, check whether you qualify for legal assistance. If you qualify, make sure to sign up immediately.
- If you don’t qualify, sign up for the Eviction Defense Network’s comprehensive program.
- You can also read up on the Tenant Power Toolkit, compiled by The Debt Collective, The LA Tenants Union, The Anti-Eviction Mapping Project.
- Find upcoming workshops to receive guidance in-person or online.
- If you still have questions you can call our office at 213-207-3015.
- You can find all these resources and more all at bit.ly/larenterhelp.
Is the city providing any assistance?
As we face this potential tsunami of evictions, we are fighting for every renter in the city. This week, the Housing and Homelessness Committee approved a proposal from Councilmember Nithya Raman and Mayor Bass to spend millions of dollars to prevent needless evictions, including $23 million for legal defense, and $18 million for rent relief.
That package could come before the full City Council for a final vote as soon as next week, so stay tuned for more updates.
Two More Quick Hits!
1. Advancing Funding for Unarmed Response
On Tuesday, City Council approved over $5 million for unarmed response programs. This is another step toward responding to 911 calls related to issues like mental health and homelessness more effectively with social workers and mental health professionals instead of untrained armed officers.
Even though we still have a long way to go to fix our broken public safety and criminal justice systems, this marks a profound change compared to just a few years ago, when we weren’t investing any money into these programs.
2. Glenhurst Park Upgrades and Re-Opening!
On Monday, we joined the Department of Recreation and Parks in Atwater Village for the reopening of the Glenhurst Park Playground!
Park upgrades include the installation of a new play area with safety surfacing, the installation of amenities like trash receptacles, benches, tables, a hydration station, and shade structures.
Everyone should have access to safe, welcoming parks and green spaces in our communities regardless of where they live, and seeing the kids enjoy these new amenities was such a treat.