On April 1, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance giving tenants the right to free legal representation during eviction proceedings. Known as the "Right to Counsel" law, this initiative applies to income-eligible renters in Los Angeles who cannot afford an attorney.
This law marks a major shift in Los Angeles rental regulations and is designed to address the rising number of evictions across the city.
If you own or manage apartment buildings in Los Angeles, here are your new responsibilities:
Provide Notice at Lease Signing
You must inform tenants of their right to counsel when they sign a lease.
Notify Tenants Again During Eviction
If you initiate an eviction, you are required to notify the tenant again about their legal right to free representation.
Understand Legal Consequences
If you fail to provide this notice, tenants can use your non-compliance as a legal defense in eviction court.
The program is projected to cost $67.8 million annually and will be funded by Measure ULA, the city’s tax on high-value property sales.
Eviction rates in Los Angeles have surged. In 2023, there were over 45,000 unlawful detainer filings in LA County. By 2024, the city averaged nearly 4,000 eviction notices per month.
Other cities like New York City and San Francisco have passed similar legislation, leading to fewer evictions and more stable housing conditions for renters.
If you’re a landlord in Los Angeles, staying compliant with this ordinance is essential. The law is designed to level the playing field in housing court and protect vulnerable tenants. Make sure your leasing and eviction processes reflect these new rules.
To stay informed and avoid costly legal missteps, review these sources:
Taylor Avakian is a multifamily investment expert and the host of No Vacancy, a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest trends, strategies, and insights in the real estate market. As the founder of The Group CRE, Taylor specializes in helping landlords and investors navigate the complexities of multifamily ownership in Los Angeles.