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Housing Services

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General Information:

  • On April 6, California's Judicial Council ruled that summonses for any new eviction lawsuits will not be processed in court until at least 90 days after Governor Newsom has declared the emergency has ended. (The only exception is if the eviction is considered necessary to protect public health and safety.)

  • This means that, in effect, eviction courts are closed down. Even if a landlord files a new eviction lawsuit, the machinery of the state's eviction court system will not be functional until, at the soonest, three months after the COVID-19 emergency is over.

  • More information on the Judicial Council rule change can be found at the Western Center on Law & Poverty. For property owners, the rule change also bars any court in California from issuing judgments or decisions in foreclosure cases.

  • An executive order by Governor Gavin Newsom also bars law enforcement departments from enforcing evictions on those unable to pay rent due to lost income because of COVID-19 during the emergency.

Free consultations with housing attorneys through the Evictions Defense Network:

  • Serves households facing eviction by providing consultations for a donation (no one turned away due to lack of funds) and/or providing representation in court on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay (payment plans are available). 

  • Send an email to: askanattorney@edn.la. If you don't have email, send a text or call: 213/537-5473 and your request will be screened by a paralegal.

  • Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm; Friday 9am to 6pm

More info: EDN Landing Page

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Even if you don’t have a federal mortgage loan, most major banks and lenders are offering some type of mortgage payment deferment. However, it’s important to understand the terms of how any skipped payments will be made up; some lenders are simply extending the loan term to make up for the missed payments, while others are requiring a lump sum payment at the end of the deferment period. Also, be prepared for unusually long wait times when calling to speak with your lender.

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FCC chairman Ajit Pai has encouraged broadband companies to participate in a “Keep Americans Connected” pledge, which asks them to not terminate service for nonpayment due to the coronavirus, as well as waive late fees and open up Wi-Fi hotspots to those who need access. Dozens of companies have taken the pledge so far.

For general anti-eviction support find your local Los Angeles Tenants union:

211LA has established  the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance program which provides rental assistance funds to low and moderate-income eligible households economically impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Housing for Foster Youth Students

  • Provided by Together We Rise

    • Support for foster youths whose housing is insecure due to closure of dorms.

    • E-mail info@togetherwerise.org for help finding housing during transition.

For more info: Together We Rise COVID Update.

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Visit the national Rent Assistance website for a directory of government and non-profit rental assistance agencies and organizations in your area.

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If you’re struggling to pay for electricity and gas, reach out to your utility company right away. Many are suspending disconnections for those who don’t pay their bills during the coronavirus crisis. Some have actually been ordered to suspend disconnections by regulators or other government officials. The Energy and Policy Institute maintains a list of service providers that have and have not suspended disconnects.

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