Los Angeles County Announces New Emergency Rent Relief for Landlords Affected by Disasters
Small landlords impacted by wildfires or emergencies may qualify for up to six months of rent relief. Applications open Dec. 17, 2025.
Small property owners—with four or fewer rental units—will receive priority for rent relief of up to $15,000 per unit.
Rental property owners in Los Angeles County who are grappling with unpaid rent or additional housing-related expenses following recent disasters will soon have an opportunity to apply for county-backed emergency rent relief.
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) will begin accepting applications for the Emergency Rent Relief Program starting Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The application period will close on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 4:59 p.m.
This program aims to assist landlords and tenants facing financial hardships due to emergencies, such as the January 7 Eaton and Palisades wildfires and associated windstorm events. The focus will be on small property owners, particularly those who manage four or fewer rental units and are dealing with unpaid rent or other housing costs.
Eligible property owners could receive grants to cover up to six months of rental debt, with most awards capped at $15,000 per unit. These funds can be used for overdue rent, missed mortgage payments, and other housing-related expenses directly tied to the emergency. It’s important to note that tenants cannot apply for the program themselves; landlords are responsible for submitting the applications, though tenants will need to verify their tenancy as part of the process.
The program is open to property owners throughout Los Angeles County, including those whose homes were lost or severely damaged by the recent fires and who are now renting elsewhere but still face rent or mortgage obligations tied to the disaster. Special consideration will be given to landlords whose properties are located in “high need” areas, as defined by the L.A. County Equity Explorer tool and the COVID Vulnerability & Recovery map layer. Priority will also go to smaller property owners and those whose household income is at or below 80% of the county’s area median income.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office has urged property owners and community organizations to stay informed about the program and help spread the word so eligible landlords can apply once the application window opens.
Although the application process is not yet live, rental property owners can complete an interest form online to receive notifications when the program becomes available. This form will also provide updates on program details. For more information and to join the interest list, visit LACountyRentRelief.com.
This program presents a crucial opportunity for landlords affected by the recent disasters to receive financial assistance and mitigate the impact of unpaid rents and other housing-related financial strains.
Conclusion
LA County’s Emergency Rent Relief Program offers a rare and timely opportunity for small rental property owners recovering from wildfire and storm-related losses. With grants of up to $15,000 per unit and a focus on landlords facing substantial hardship, this program can help stabilize rental operations and prevent long-term financial fallout. Because the application window is short and competitive, housing providers should prepare documentation early and join the interest list today. AACSC will continue to share updates so members can take full advantage of this critical support when the portal opens on December 17.
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