The Los Angeles City Council earlier this month gave initial approval to a new right to counsel ordinance that would guarantee free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction.

The ordinance must still return for a second vote before becoming law. That vote has not yet been scheduled. If approved, the policy will take effect 30 days later. 

In addition to creating a permanent tenant legal aid program, the ordinance imposes new compliance obligations on rental housing providers. Property owners must now provide written notice of the tenant’s right to counsel at specific intervals, in multiple languages, using city-provided forms. Thanks to advocacy from the California Apartment Association, the responsibility for developing and translating these forms lies with the city, helping to limit misinterpretation and reduce administrative burdens. These forms will be housed on the city of Los Angeles website. 

CAA has voiced strong opposition to right to counsel programs. 

“This is another unfortunate outcome of the flawed ULA tax. Voters had little knowledge public dollars would be used to fund private litigation,” said Fred Sutton, senior vice president of local public affairs for CAA. “Right to counsel programs are ineffective and counterproductive. Available funds should be utilized for direct rental assistance. We should fund prevention, not lawyers.” 

In 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a similar ordinance, which CAA opposed. Though fully secured funding remains uncertain at the county level, Measure A funds may be diverted to support similar initiatives.