An ordinance adopted yesterday by the Los Angeles City Council will grant tenants the right to sue landlords who violate the ban on evictions during the COVID-19 crisis.
Under the new law, landlords are subject to penalties of $10,000 for each violation of the ban. The fine would be increased to $15,000 if the tenants are disabled or aged 65 or older.
Landlords will be given 15 days to cure or correct the offence before legal action can move forward.
In a separate vote, the moved to require that landlords use language provided by the City's Housing and Community Investment Department when communicating tenants' rights with their renters.
An existing freeze on rent increases in apartments subject to the Citywide rent stabilization ordinance - which account for more than 75 percent of the city's rental housing stock - will be extended until 12 months after end of the current state of emergency.
