Los Angeles City Council Votes to Extend Eviction Protections for Pandemic Pets

Are you a renter in Los Angeles who adopted a pet during the pandemic? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that the city council has voted to advance a proposal to keep eviction protections in place for any animal adopted since March of 2020. This means that you no longer have to worry about being evicted for having a pet in your rental unit.

Many renters in L.A. took in new pets during the pandemic for various reasons, such as coping with isolation or helping out friends and family members who needed a place to stay with their pets. However, some tenants have faced eviction threats over these new pets. The city’s current eviction protection for unauthorized pets is set to expire on Feb. 1, 2024, but the council’s plan aims to extend this protection indefinitely.

Tenant advocates have praised the council’s decision, stating that it will prevent renters from having to choose between their pets and their homes. Landlord advocacy groups have also supported the move, requesting that tenants register their pets and notify their landlords about any recent adoptions.

The policy covers pets adopted during the pandemic emergency period and does not prevent landlords from evicting tenants over serious nuisances caused by pets. The goal of this policy is to keep pets with their owners and reduce the number of animals being surrendered at overcrowded shelters in L.A.

If you have any questions about housing in Southern California or how this new policy may affect you as a renter with a pet, feel free to ask in the comments below. Your furry friend may now have a permanent place to call home!