The Office of the Governor of the State of California

01/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2025 16:50

Governor Newsom bans evictions based on hosting fire survivors

Jan 17, 2025

Governor Newsom bans evictions based on hosting fire survivors

What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.

LOS ANGELES - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that expands eviction protections for tenants who provide shelter to survivors of the Los Angeles-area firestorms.

"At a time when so many have been suddenly displaced, we need more housing and shelter than ever. Opening your place of residence to help shelter those in need is not only encouraged and generous, but deserves to be protected."

Governor Gavin Newsom

The order prohibits landlords from using the unlawful detainer process - a legal process landlords use to evict tenants who violate their lease - to evict a tenant for violating a term of their lease that would otherwise prohibit them from sheltering one or more people displaced by the recent emergency. The order does not prohibit landlords from enforcing other lease terms, such as those regarding criminal activity or property damage. The order is in effect until March 8, 2025.

As the legislature works to strengthen protections through legislation, this order provides an interim solution to provide immediate relief and clarity to protect tenants and survivors.

Supporting recovery, protecting survivors

Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles fire storms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

  • Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 - providing critical tax relief for businesses.
  • Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed - suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
  • Fast-tracking temporary housing. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks.
  • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely.
  • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
  • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor is proposing California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles.
  • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
  • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims' property.

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires - a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By calling 800-621-3362
  • By using the FEMA smartphone application
  • Assistance is available in over 40 languages
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

A copy of the order can be found here.

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