Highlights from the Webinar: “Ten Things Renters Affected by the Los Angeles Fires Need to Know About Their Rights” 

1. Purpose of the Webinar
  • Hosted by Eric Toscano (CEO of Tenant Law Group) and Paul Collins (Attorney at Tenant Law Group).
  • Aimed to educate renters displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires about their legal rights.
  • Focus on tenant protections, legal remedies, and resources available to those affected.
2. The Impact of the Wildfires on Tenants
  • Many renters have been displaced or affected by the fires.
  • Landlords may use disaster conditions as an opportunity to push tenants out illegally.
  • Major shifts expected in the Los Angeles housing market as a result.
3. Tenant Protections During Emergencies
  • Price Gouging is Illegal 
    • California Penal Code Section 396 prohibits rent increases of more than 10% during a declared emergency.
    • This applies statewide but especially relevant for tenants in non-rent-controlled units.
  • Tenant Harassment is Illegal 
    • Los Angeles Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance (TAHO) – Municipal Code Section 45.33
    • Landlords cannot intimidate, harass, or pressure tenants to leave their rental units.
    • Harassment includes failure to make necessary repairs, entering units without notice, or making false accusations.
  • Rent Payment Responsibilities Post-Fire 
    • You Do Not Owe Rent if Your Unit is Destroyed
      • California Civil Code Section 1933 states that if a rental unit is destroyed, the lease is automatically terminated.
    • You Do Owe Rent if Your Unit is Livable
      • However, tenants can negotiate a rent reduction if repairs are needed. 
      • California Civil Code Section 1941.1 and Health & Safety Code 17920.3 define what makes a unit habitable.
  • No Obligation for Landlords to Provide Relocation Assistance if Unit is Destroyed 
    • Landlords do not have to pay for temporary housing unless local rent control laws apply.
4. Recovering Damages & Financial Relief
  • You Can Collect Your Security Deposit 
    • Landlords must return deposits within 21 days, even if the unit was destroyed.
    • They cannot blame the tenant for fire-related damages to withhold the deposit.
  • Potential Compensation for Personal Belongings 
    • Tenants with renter’s insurance may be able to recover the fair market value of lost items.
    • In some cases, landlords may be responsible for damage if negligence was involved.   
  • You May Be Entitled to Money Damages if Your Rights Are Violated 
    • California Civil Code 1942.5 protects tenants from retaliatory evictions if they report habitability issues.
    • Recent legal changes provide even stronger tenant protections, including higher penalties for wrongful evictions.   
5. Scams and Predatory Landlord Practices Post-Wildfire
  • Fake Claims That a Unit is “Destroyed” to Force Evictions 
    • Some landlords may claim a unit is unlivable when it is only partially damaged to remove long-term tenants.   
  • Fraudulent “Just Cause” Evictions 
    • Landlords may fake just cause reasons, such as claiming a family member is moving in or planning renovations, to remove rent-controlled tenants.   
  • Lowball Buyout Offers 
    • Buyout agreements must follow strict legal procedures in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and unincorporated LA County. 
    • Some landlords rush tenants into unfair buyouts—tenants should never sign without legal consultation.
6. Resources for Displaced Tenants
  • Legal Resources 
    • Tenants Together: Provides information on local rent control laws.   
  • LA City Council Considering New Wildfire Protections 
    • A one-year freeze on rent increases and additional eviction protections is under discussion.
  • Tenants Can Seek Legal Action for Violations
    • Tenants may be entitled to three times the damages if a landlord violates their rights.
7. Advice for Tenants
  • Act Quickly & Document Everything 
    • Keep copies of communications with your landlord.
    • Take photos & videos of damage or habitability issues.
    • If facing eviction, consult a tenant rights attorney ASAP.
  • Be Aware of Your Legal Rights 
    • Do not leave your unit unless legally required.
    • If you suspect fraudulent eviction or harassment, seek legal assistance.
Conclusion 
  • Tenants must be vigilant as landlords may try to take advantage of post-disaster confusion.
  • Legal protections exist, but tenants must take action to enforce them.
  • Tenant Law Group and other organizations can help tenants fight back against wrongful evictions, harassment, and unfair treatment.