What is Governor Newsom Doing for California Tenants Who Are Facing Displacement From The LA Fires? 

By Paul M. Collins, Esq.

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have turned countless lives upside down, leaving many without homes and searching for stability in the aftermath of disaster. In times like these, the kindness and generosity of those willing to open their doors to friends, family, and neighbors are more important than ever. At Tenant Law Group, we recognize the challenges you face—not only in providing support to those in need but also in protecting your own housing rights. 

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to ensure that tenants offering shelter to fire survivors are protected from eviction. This order is a vital step in safeguarding those who have stepped up to help, but we know that navigating these protections can be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to feel secure in your decision to help others while ensuring your legal rights are upheld. 

In addition to protecting tenants, Governor Newsom has introduced a range of measures to support fire survivors and aid in the rebuilding process. These initiatives aim to provide relief, prevent exploitation, and help communities get back on their feet. 

  1. Financial Relief for Affected Residents and Businesses
  • The state has extended the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County residents, offering additional time to file returns. 
  • Businesses in the affected areas now have until April 30, 2025, to file their sales and use tax reports, providing them with crucial financial flexibility. 
  1. Accelerating the Rebuilding Process
  • To help families rebuild faster, an executive order has streamlined permitting processes, temporarily lifting certain environmental regulations to allow for quicker reconstruction of homes and businesses. 
  1. Expanding Housing Solutions
  • Recognizing the urgent need for shelter, the Governor has made it easier to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and deploy temporary housing such as trailers and mobile homes, with fee waivers for mobile home parks to speed up placement. 
  1. Cleaning Up Fire-Damaged Areas
  • Efforts to remove debris and hazardous materials are underway to ensure the safety of returning residents. Federal crews have been deployed to accelerate cleanup and mitigate risks such as mudslides and flooding in burn areas. 
  1. Protecting Survivors from Price Gouging
  • Stronger measures are in place to prevent illegal rent hikes and inflated costs for temporary housing, building materials, and essential goods. If you suspect price gouging, report it to the California Attorney General’s Office for investigation. 
  1. Immediate State Relief Funding
  • The Governor has proposed a $2.5 billion relief fund to support emergency response efforts and help residents recover more quickly. 
  1. Helping Displaced Students Stay in School
  • Executive orders have been issued to provide resources for displaced students, ensuring they can remain in their schools and access the support they need during this challenging period. 
  1. Safeguarding Fire Survivors from Predatory Real Estate Practices
  • To prevent opportunistic investors from taking advantage of vulnerable homeowners, protections are in place to stop unsolicited and aggressive property purchase offers. 

Resources Available to Fire Survivors 

If you or someone you know has been affected by the LA wildfires, there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. Visit CA.gov/LAfires for a comprehensive list of assistance programs from state, local, and federal agencies. 

Survivors and business owners who have sustained losses can apply for disaster assistance through the following channels: 

  • Phone: Call 800-621-3362 
  • FEMA Mobile App: Assistance is available in over 40 languages. 

If you use relay services such as Video Relay Service (VRS) or captioned telephone services, be sure to provide FEMA with your relay number when requesting assistance. 

Know Your Rights – Tenant Law Group Is Here to Help 

If you are a tenant who has opened your home to fire survivors, it’s important to know that you have legal protections under Governor Newsom’s executive order. No one should have to choose between helping a friend or family member and keeping their own home. 

If your landlord is attempting to evict you or pressure you into complying with lease terms that conflict with the emergency order, Tenant Law Group is here to support you. 

We are dedicated to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring that you are not unfairly displaced for showing compassion during this crisis. Visit TenantLawGroupSF.com/Get-Started to fill out our intake form and find out how we can assist you. 

Together, we can work to fight for tenants, support those in need, and help rebuild our communities after this devastating event.