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Los Angeles New Right to Counsel Ordinance: What Property Owners and Tenants Need to Know

  • Writer: Strategic Growth
    Strategic Growth
  • Jul 30
  • 3 min read

Los Angeles has passed a significant new ordinance aimed at reshaping the eviction process: the Right to Counsel Ordinance. This law grants tenants facing eviction the right to free legal representation if they meet certain income requirements.

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we’re committed to helping both landlords and tenants understand what this law means, how it affects their rights and responsibilities, and how to stay compliant moving forward.


What Is the Right to Counsel?

Starting April 1, 2025, tenants in the City of Los Angeles will have the legal right to free legal counsel when facing eviction or the termination of rental assistance as long as their income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

A similar law is already in effect in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, having started on January 1, 2025.

This initiative ensures that low-income tenants are not forced to navigate eviction court alone. In cities like New York and San Francisco, similar programs have helped over 80% of participating tenants remain housed.


Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for free legal representation, tenants must:

  • Have received a notice of eviction or rental subsidy termination

  • Reside in the City of Los Angeles or in unincorporated areas of LA County

  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income

For reference, in 2025, 80% of AMI for a single-person household in LA is approximately $84,850 per year.


Landlord Requirements Under the New Law

Even if your tenants don’t qualify for free legal help, if you own or manage rental property in the City of Los Angeles, you must take the following actions to remain in compliance:

1. Provide the “Right to Counsel” Notice

  • At the beginning of every lease

  • Any time you issue a notice to evict or to end rental assistance

2. Post the Notice in Common Areas

  • This includes spaces like lobbies, mailrooms, laundry rooms, and shared hallways

3. Use the Official City Forms


What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to provide the required notice can carry serious legal and financial consequences:

  • Tenants can use your failure to notify as a defense in eviction court

  • Your case may be delayed or dismissed

  • You may face fines of up to $800 per violation in LA County

This law applies to all types of rental housing not just rent-controlled units. This includes single-family homes, condominiums, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).


What Tenants Need to Know

If you receive an eviction notice:

  • You have 30 days to apply for free legal assistance through Stay Housed LA

  • After applying, you must still file a response in court within 10 days

Stay Housed LA is the official program that connects eligible tenants with legal aid providers across the region. It's critical to act quickly if you want to take advantage of your legal right to representation.


Strategic Growth’s Perspective

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we manage properties across Los Angeles and understand the practical impact this new law will have. While it introduces new steps for landlords, it also offers opportunities for stronger landlord-tenant relationships and fewer legal disputes.

For Property Owners:

  • Stay compliant to avoid delays, court challenges, or penalties

  • Strengthen your leasing process with clear and legally updated documents

  • Build trust with tenants and reduce turnover through clear communication

For Tenants:

  • Be aware of your rights under the new law

  • Don’t delay seek legal support as soon as you receive a notice

  • Use available resources to help you maintain stable housing


Landlord Compliance Checklist

To stay ahead of the ordinance and avoid any issues, we recommend taking the following steps now:

  • Update your lease packets to include the Right to Counsel notice

  • Post the notice in all required common areas, in multiple languages

  • Use the official city forms do not create your own

  • Train your property management team on the new requirements

  • Keep thorough records of when, how, and in what language the notice was given

  • Conduct an audit of all properties to ensure compliance in both city and county jurisdictions


Final Thoughts

The Right to Counsel Ordinance is an important change in how evictions are handled in Los Angeles. While it introduces new responsibilities for landlords, it also has the potential to support more stable and respectful rental relationships.

At Strategic Growth Real Estate, we’re here to help both property owners and tenants navigate this new law with clarity and confidence. Whether you manage a single unit or an entire portfolio, we’re committed to helping you stay compliant and support your residents.


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