Los Angeles County Rent-Hike Ban Ends, Raising Concerns for Fire Victims
A rent-hike ban in Los Angeles County, initially implemented to protect victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires, has ended. The emergency ordinance, issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, prevented landlords from increasing rents by more than 10% above pre-fire levels. Despite repeated extensions, the rule expired after a recent vote failed to secure enough support for its continuation. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, representing Pacific Palisades, advocated for extending the protections, citing ongoing construction and displacement issues. However, Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, and Holly Mitchell abstained from voting, expressing concerns about the lack of evidence to justify the extension. Market data indicates that countywide rents have only increased by about 2% above pre-emergency levels, and rental inventory has grown. The Apartment Owners Association of Greater Los Angeles argues that the protections have outlived their purpose and are harming rental housing providers. 
