Tenants in Los Angeles will be able to keep pets and no longer be evicted for animals taken in without permission during the pandemic, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council on Tuesday.
The coronavirus-era pet protection policy was set to expire on Jan. 31, and city councilors are hoping to pass the law before then, as the city's six animal shelters are already at or near capacity. I tried to do so.
The underlying sentiment of this ruling is that pets have provided emotional support to people during the height of the pandemic, and at a time when housing and homelessness are pressing issues, pets can be used to remove tenants from their homes. The idea was that he shouldn't be kicked out.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous social, economic and health impact on our communities, and countless families are recovering from its effects,” said City Councilmember Eunice Hernandez. said.
“Many have welcomed new family members as many have lost loved ones and struggled with the isolation of quarantine.”
Tenants who have not notified their landlord in advance of keeping a pet must do so within 30 days of the law taking effect.
Under the law, landlords and property managers are allowed to enforce “no animals” rules after a tenant moves out or if a pet is relocated.
There are also provisions that allow for eviction for certain reasons, such as if the animal poses a danger to other tenants.
Pets brought into rental housing after January 31, 2023 do not fall under the protection criteria.