On October 14, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider an emergency declaration that could lead to another countywide eviction moratorium in response to upcoming ICE actions (Agenda Item 15).

The proposal aims to protect tenants affected by ICE actions but puts rental housing providers at financial risk. It fails to address the root problems.

A Familiar Pattern

Earlier this year, the County imposed a six-month eviction moratorium due to wildfires. This policy applies to all rental properties, regardless of their location.

Now, under the banner of ICE enforcement, officials are considering another sweeping measure that could limit rent collection and delay lawful evictions, even in cities untouched by these activities.

Why It Matters

If passed, this policy would:

Extend eviction protections countywide — even in areas with no ICE activity.

Penalize housing providers who have no control over federal enforcement actions.

Further strain mom-and-pop owners, who make up a large share of Los Angeles’ naturally affordable housing stock.

While tenant advocates cite a survey from The Rent Brigade to justify this declaration, that report surveyed only 120 respondents out of the county’s 9.8 million residents — a data set too small to represent countywide conditions.

The report also attributes 64% of all ICE-related incidents to the City of Los Angeles, which already has its own City Council and local housing authority capable of crafting targeted responses — without requiring countywide mandates.

The Bigger Picture

The County already operates an Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) designed to help residents facing hardship due to wildfires and ICE enforcement.

Expanding this support would be far more effective — and fairer — than implementing another moratorium that blocks rental income and disincentivizes small landlords from maintaining or reinvesting in their properties.

As history has shown, broad moratoriums can have unintended consequences:

Months of unpaid rent for housing providers.

Accelerated sell-offs of small buildings to institutional investors.

A shrinking supply of naturally affordable housing across the region.

The Bottom Line for Apartment Owners

If approved, this policy could once again shift the financial burden of social and political crises onto the shoulders of housing providers.

Apartment owners across Los Angeles County should pay close attention — and be prepared for potential disruptions to rent collection and tenant management in the months ahead.

Stay Informed. Protect Your Interests.

At Lucrum Real Estate Group, we closely track local housing policy so owners can stay ahead of changes that affect income, valuation, and exit strategy.

If you’d like to understand how this proposal — and others like it — could impact your portfolio or upcoming sale, our team can help you plan accordingly.

Contact us  today for a confidential consultation.

Gain clarity. Protect your equity. Move with confidence.

Official Resources: For those who wish to review the Board materials or contact Supervisors directly, here are the official links:

• Supervisors Emails
• Agenda
• Local Emergency Declaration
• Horvath Local Emergency Motion
• Horvath and Solis Eviction Moratorium Motion

Source: AGGLA