Housing and Tenant Protections

Tenant Right to Counsel Program

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Housing and Tenant Protections

Rent Stabilization Program

The Tenant Right to Counsel Program provides free legal services to eligible tenants living in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County during eviction (Unlawful Detainer) proceedings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL ORDINANCE (TRTCO)?

The Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance (TRTCO), County Code Chapter 8.60 LACC, establishes a Tenant Right to Counsel Program to provide free legal services to eligible tenants living in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County during eviction (Unlawful Detainer) proceedings.

TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL ORDINANCE

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL (TRTC) PROGRAM?

You may be eligible for free legal services through the County’s eviction defense/Tenant Right to Counsel Program, Stay Housed LA, if you meet the following criteria:

  • Received and Eviction Notice (Unlawful Detainer)
  • Live in UNINCORPORATED Los Angeles County; and
  • Your household income is at or under 80% of the area median income, as defined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

For more information, or to apply for legal help, visit the Stay Housed LA website or call the SHLA Hotline at 888-694-0040.

WHAT ARE THE NEW NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDLORDS UNDER THE TRTCO?

Under the TRTCO, landlords of rental units located in unincorporated LA County must:

  • Provide a Notice of Tenant Right to Counsel to tenants.
  • Issue the Notice when a tenant receives a notice of an eviction filing (Unlawful Detainer).
  • Ensure the Notice is provided in English and in the language in which the rental agreement was written.

The Notice (linked below) must be posted at all times in a conspicuous location, such as:

  • property lobbies
  • common areas including near mailboxes, in laundry rooms, or at property entrance)
  • on-site management office

Failure to comply with notice requirements may result in civil penalties of up to $800 per violation, criminal penalties of up to $800, and/or imprisonment in the County jail for up to six (6) months. Each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

For additional information, please refer to the Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance or contact DCBA.

Notice of Tenant Right to Counsel for Landlords

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE AN EVICTION NOTICE (UNLAWFUL DETAINER)?

If you get an eviction notice you need to file an answer within 10 business days. Apply for legal help as soon as possible after you get an eviction notice by contacting Stay Housed LA (SHLA):

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT

For questions about your rights or to report a violation of the notice requirement, contact:

Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
Phone: 800-593-8222 (Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM)
Emailrent@dcba.lacounty.gov

QUESTIONS?

For questions, please contact:

Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
Rent Stabilization Program
Phone: 800-593-8222 (Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM)
Email: rent@dcba.lacounty.gov
Onlinerent.lacounty.gov

MORE INFORMATION

TENANT RIGHT TO COUNSEL ORDINANCE
IMPORTANT FORMS & NOTICES FOR LANDLORDS & TENANTS
STAY HOUSED LA (Eviction Defense Program)

Stay Housed L.A. is a free service that provides income eligible tenants in Los Angeles County with information on their rights and resources to help keep them in their homes. This network of assistance includes community organizations that advocate for tenants, legal service providers, and government partners. 

TO LEARN MORE, OR IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CLICK HERE 

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Disclaimer: This page contains a summary of information related to the Tenant Right to Counsel Program and is not legal advice. Readers should also review and understand all relevant laws about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and landlords and consult with an attorney about their legal rights.

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