Eviction notices have begun in earnest across the Southern California area. As evictions spike in the state’s major metropolitan cities, court orders are increasingly appearing on apartment front doors, following the termination of government assistance programs related to the pandemic late last year.
Until June of last year, the California state government had provided a record $5 billion to prevent tenant evictions by paying rent in lieu, helping landlords make their mortgage payments. This funding also supported millions in education programs and established complaint centers at nonprofits to prevent unfair tenant evictions.
However, this year has seen a surge in evictions of residents unable to afford their rent.
Even in large cities like Los Angeles, the situation is worsening.
As of the end of September, data from the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office indicated that the city’s owed rent amounted to a staggering $186 million, with a total of 50,000 court eviction orders issued between February and August.
City officials and Emergency Rental Assistance Program officials have noted a spike of more than 20 percent in the number of orders issued between August and September. These are cases where last-minute rehabilitation efforts have led to eviction, and officials anticipate a dramatic increase in October.
The zip code 90028 in Hollywood experienced the highest number of eviction orders in the city, with a total of 3,585 issued between February and August of this year. Meanwhile, zip code 90005, which includes Koreatown, reported 1,590.
According to data from the LA County Superior Court, the eviction rate decreased by 15% year-on-year in 2022 when the support program was active, but eviction notices have increased by 17% so far this year.
The National Equity Atlas reports that a total of 650,000 households in California are behind on their rent, totaling $1.8 billion.
“We are receiving inquiries nonstop, and most people are asking if they can get an extension, even for just two or three months,” said an official from a Korean-American organization assisting families facing eviction. “It’s sad that many families are facing final eviction after enduring difficult times for more than three years.”
“Just yesterday, the Sheriff posted eviction notices to five families,” said a manager surnamed Kim of an apartment near Olympic Boulevard. “For building owners, eviction is inevitable to pay the remaining mortgage on 20 units. The building cannot be foreclosed on for moral reasons.”
Most counties and cities are scrambling to create their own assistance programs while awaiting further help from the state. Los Angeles County recently announced a 6% rent increase and said it would provide up to $120,000 in assistance to landlords.
The city of Los Angeles plans to discuss specific assistance measures after the Thanksgiving holiday. This follows the City Council’s vote to create an additional assistance program while announcing a rent increase of up to 6% for rent-controlled apartments in the city.
In the meantime, eviction notices will be enforced by sheriff’s officers if residents do not move out within the specified timeframe.
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
