FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(En Español)

How do I know if my unit is rent-controlled?
You can contact the Los Angeles Housing department to find out if your unit is covered under Los Angeles rent control. Some other cities, for example, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills have their own versions of rent control, See “government” section under resources for contact information to find out if your unit is rent-controlled.

Why is it important to know if my unit is rent controlled?
“Rent control” usually offers tenants two main protections: restriction on the amount that the landlord can raise the rent and protection from eviction without a “just-cause”. Again, see “government” section under resources to find out if your unit is covered.

How long does it take to be evicted?
The eviction process is very short. If you file an answer and lose, the sheriff can come lock you out within a few weeks. If you do not file an answer, because you are not served or for any other reason, the landlord can get a default judgment against you (meaning that you lose automatically) and the sheriff can come lock you out a lot sooner. See eviction process for a timeline. If you have a judgment against you, we may be able to help, see motions for more information.

If my landlord sells the building I live in, can the new owner evict me?
When a building is sold, all the individual tenancies are sold with it. If your building is sold or for sale, it is essential to find out if you are protected by rent control. If your unit is rent-controlled, your new landlord still has to have a “just-cause” to evict you. If your unit is not rent-controlled, your landlord, new or old can give you a 30- or 60-day notice (if you have lived in the unit longer than one year) to move for no reason at all. See “government” section under resources to find out if your unit is covered.

Two years ago I signed a one-year lease, but I haven’t signed anything since. Does this mean my landlord can evict me whenever they want?
No. Once a lease expires, it automatically becomes a month-to-month contract.

Is there anything I can do to protect myself from eviction?
Yes. See 10 ways to protect your tenancy.

Can I make an appointment at EDN?
We do not make appointments for first-time clients. Our offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To make sure to get seen the same day, it is best to arrive at our office as early as possible in the morning. After you fill out the intake form, we will give you an estimate of what time we will be able to see you that day. We start our last intake at 4:00 p.m. during the week and at 3:00 p.m on Saturday. If you retain us to represent you, we will set up an appointment for you to meet with your lawyer as soon as you receive your trial date. These appointments are usually set for the late afternoon.

What if I can’t afford to pay for services?
If you have been served with a Summons and Complaint, you can contact other legal service providers (see "legal" under resources) that provide services for free.

If you have received a notice from your landlord, or have general questions related to your tenancy, you can go to one of the clinics staffed by EDN attorneys or contact any of the tenants rights organizations (see "organizing and tenants rights organizations" under resources).

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