By David Wagner for LAist
Originally published on April 16, 2026
Topline:
Starting Thursday, some Los Angeles County renters will be allowed to fall behind by about two months’ worth of rent and still have local protections from eviction.
The background: Citing economic fallout from federal immigration raids, the county Board of Supervisors recently voted to let tenants rack up more rent debt before landlords can evict them. Until now, renters have been allowed to fall behind by one month’s worth of fair-market rent, a level that is set by the federal government. The new rule doubles that to two months.
Where it applies: The new rent-debt rules apply only to tenants living in unincorporated parts of L.A. County, such as East L.A., City Terrace and Altadena. Details on local fair-market rents, which vary depending on how many bedrooms an apartment contains, can be found on this county website.
The debate: Tenant advocates — and at least one county supervisor — previously pushed for a three-month rent-debt threshold that would have applied countywide. But landlords said even the more limited two-month rule unfairly burdens property owners and likely will lead to tougher tenant screening.
