The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution that would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants who adopt pets during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, even if their rental agreement prohibits it.
The 13-0 vote, with Councilors Heather Hutt and Katie Yaroslavsky absent, engraves into law tenant protections that were put in place during the pandemic lockdown but were set to expire at the end of January. become. Supporters say the ordinance will avoid further worsening of the homeless crisis and minimize further crowding at animal shelters.
However, tenants with unauthorized pets must notify their landlord within one month. The ordinance does not apply to pets that begin living in rental units after January 31, 2023.
The issue was raised in a report by the city's Department of Animal Services in February 2023, which said residents would have to decide whether to keep them or give up their pets.
Residents will no longer have to surrender their pets to shelters that are currently “crumbling at the seams,” according to Animal Services Committee Chairman Larry Gross.
“Many of these pets were brought in three or four years ago, and they're part of people's families, so this brings families together,” he said, also executive director of the Economic Survival Coalition. Gross said. “This was a great win for the pets, a great win for the residents, and the most humane thing the city could do.”
Prior to the vote, City Council member Eunice Hernandez also spoke in favor of the ordinance, stating that the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had “widespread social, economic and health impacts on our community.” I am giving,” he said.
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“Many lost loved ones and suffered from the isolation of quarantine, which led many to welcome new family members,” Hernandez said. “These pets have helped people get through difficult times and tenants should not be forced out of their homes because of their pets.”
Audiences at the meeting also expressed concerns about possible evictions and the mental health of residents who rescued their pets to improve their mental health.
“Animals are the only thing keeping animals alive,” said a volunteer from an animal protection group.
Many landowners also supported the ordinance. In a Dec. 5 letter to the City Council, the California Apartment Association, which represents landlords and other property owners, cited “Animal Services' report and the city's goal to resolve this unique situation.” I wrote that I support it.
The group asked the City Council to include a provision requiring tenants to notify housing providers of the presence of animals.
“It is important that property owners be aware of animals and community activities in general,” the letter said.
Nearly a week after the landlord association's request, the City Council voted 14-0 to create the City Atty. Heidi Feldstein Soto drafted the text of the ordinance, which goes into effect immediately.
