Los Angeles County approves limited eviction protections for tenants affected by January wildfires

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 approved a resolution creating a temporary affirmative defense against eviction for income-eligible tenants who lost work because of the Jan. 2025 windstorms and critical wildfires, providing short-term breathing room while tenants seek benefits or new work.

The measure, introduced by Supervisor Lindsay Horvath and carried with support from four supervisors, does not create a cash payment; rather it gives qualifying tenants a defense to an unlawful-detainer action while they pursue rent- or income-replacement programs and employment. The board voted 4–0 with one abstention (Supervisor Janice Barger) after rejecting a separate amendment that would have required tenants to submit documentation…