Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday in favor of creating a plan to provide free attorneys to low income renters facing eviction.
The policy — which still needs a final vote before it is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 — would be the first of its kind in Southern California.
It comes at a time when lapsed pandemic renter protections have caused a spike in eviction filings leading to thousands losing housing.
“Housing is a fundamental human right,” said Sup. Holly Mitchell, who first introduced the idea for a “Right To Counsel” program last year. “I believe that our county’s Right To Counsel ordinance is an important part of fulfilling that vision. And we’ll have an L.A. County where, regardless of income, every Angeleno will have access to affordable, accessible legal services.”
Who would be eligible for a lawyer?
The program will only serve renters in unincorporated parts of L.A. County. That includes areas such as East Los Angeles, City Terrace and South L.A. neighborhoods like Florence-Graham.
Why just the unincorporated areas?
Supervisors have limited influence over the 88 incorporated cities within L.A. County. But if you live in an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County, such as Altadena, Castaic, East L.A., Ladera Heights, Rowland Heights, South San Gabriel or Willowbrook, the Board of Supervisors is basically your city council.
- You can find a list of all 125 unincorporated communities here.
The plan also sets income limits on who can receive an attorney. Tenants will need to have a household income of 80% or less of the area’s median income. Under current…
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