New Tenant Legal Rights in LA: What Landlords Need to Know
Starting in 2025, both the City and County of Los Angeles enacted sweeping Tenant Right to Counsel laws. These ordinances guarantee tenants the right to free eviction defense attorneys and impose strict new legal requirements on landlords and property managers.
This guide explains:
- Who qualifies for Right to Counsel
- What notices landlords must serve
- Where to post required information
- Risks for noncompliance
- What property owners should do now
What Is the Tenant Right to Counsel Law?
The City of Los Angeles ordinance took effect on April 1, 2025. The County of Los Angeles version started January 1, 2025, covering unincorporated LA areas.
Both programs:
- Guarantee free legal representation in eviction court
- Cover tenants making 80 percent or less of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Are administered through Stay Housed LA
- Will be phased in over 5 to 7 years, prioritizing high-risk ZIP codes
Who Pays for It?
City and County budgets fund the program using housing fees, grants, and general funds. For landlords, the burden comes through new compliance mandates and possible court challenges.
What Must Landlords Do?
1. Serve Official Notices
Landlords must provide a Notice of Right to Counsel:
- At lease signing
- Along with any Notice to Quit, Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, or Notice of Termination of Subsidy
The notice:
- Must be in the tenant’s primary language (official templates exist for Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, Armenian, and others)
- Must use the City or County’s official form
- Should be kept on record for 3 years
Where to get forms:
- LAHD Forms
- LA County DCBA Tenant RTC
2. Post Notices in All Common Areas
City and County law require physical posting in:
- Lobbies
- Mailroom
- Building entrances
- On-site manager offices
Must be updated and visible to all tenants.
3. Train Your Property Teams
Your staff must be able to:
- Deliver accurate, language-matched notices
- Explain tenant rights without offering legal advice
- Document notice and posting compliance
- Track lease events and renewals with RTC milestones
4. Understand the Penalties
Landlords who fail to comply face:
- Civil penalties of up to $800 per violation
- Daily fines for ongoing violations
- Tenant legal defenses in eviction cases
- Criminal prosecution in extreme cases
Action Steps for Property Owners and Managers
-
Update your lease packets with RTC notice inserts
-
Translate notices for your tenant population
-
Post all buildings with City or County official forms
-
Train site and leasing teams to handle new compliance
-
Consult legal counsel before filing any new eviction cases
-
Create a tracking calendar for phased rollouts in high-risk ZIPs
Download Your Landlord Compliance Checklist
Click here to Download Coastline Equity’s RTC Compliance Checklist PDF.
This includes:
- Required notices by lease phase
- Posting requirements by jurisdiction
- Tenant language thresholds
- Legal references and penalty thresholds
Partner with Coastline Equity
Coastline Equity manages residential and commercial properties throughout Greater Los Angeles. Our compliance-first approach ensures you stay ahead of tenant laws while preserving asset value and positive tenant relationships.
Related Resources
• Stay Housed LA
• LAHD Right to Counsel Info
• County Ordinance Language
• City Council Press Release