The Los Angeles City Council on Friday unanimously approved a temporary ban on eviction notices issued for substantial renovations, restricting rental housing providers from removing tenants in order to remodel non-rent-controlled properties. The measure, which passed with a 12-0 vote, is set to remain in effect until Aug. 1 while the city considers a permanent policy on the issue.

The interim ordinance prohibits property owners from initiating or completing evictions for substantial renovations, including those involving structural, mechanical, or plumbing work. It also applies retroactively, barring pending renovation-related evictions from moving forward.

The California Apartment Association expressed concerns about the proposal in a letter to the city.

 “The Tenant Protection Act established a streamlined process for renovating and remodeling aging buildings, which guarantees monetary assistance to tenants if specific rehabilitation conditions are met,” CAA’s letter says. “‘Substantial remodels’ go well beyond cosmetic changes; they address critical repairs that improve safety, habitability, and the long-term viability of rental housing. Eliminating these provisions, without fully understanding the efficacy of the existing processes for RSO properties or a plan in place to conduct this work is premature.”

Friday’s vote follows an earlier unanimous City Council decision in October 2024 directing the Housing Department and city attorney to explore changes to the city’s rules governing eviction notices for substantial remodels.