The California Apartment Association is awaiting a decision in its lawsuit against Los Angeles County’s extended eviction notice period for rent arrears accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The association seeks to overturn the county’s policy that mandates a 30-day notice period, arguing for a return to California’s standard three-day notice.

In April, CAA initiated this lawsuit, contesting the county’s approach to delay evictions by imposing an extended 30-day notice requirement for rent debts accumulated during the pandemic. This contrasts sharply with the state law, which mandates a much shorter notice period.

CAA’s motion for judgment, filed in October, requested the court to rule in its favor without a trial, asserting that the county’s policy conflicts with state eviction procedures. In response, the county filed its opposition last month, which CAA countered with a reply brief.

The hearing on Dec. 6, 2023, overseen by Judge Mitchell Beckloff, concluded without an immediate decision. As the matter is now under submission, there is no specified timeline for the judge’s written ruling.

CAA’s argument hinges on the principle that while local governments can provide substantive defenses to eviction, they cannot override state law concerning eviction processes. This stance was previously supported in CAA’s successful March lawsuit against Pasadena’s rent control and eviction ordinances.