LA County Opens Emergency Rent Relief Portal for Wildfire Victims

Los Angeles County has opened a new online portal that allows tenants and landlords affected by the recent Eaton and Palisades wildfires to apply for emergency rent relief. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs announced the launch on Wednesday, giving residents a clear path to financial assistance.

Application Portal Launch

The new portal is the first step in a county‑wide effort to help those whose homes and rental properties were damaged or destroyed by the January fires. It provides a user‑friendly interface where applicants can read detailed eligibility requirements, access resources in multiple languages, and submit their applications directly online.

The portal’s design emphasizes transparency. Before an application is submitted, users can review the criteria that determine whether they qualify for the program. The county’s website hosts a collection of multilingual documents, ensuring that non‑English speaking residents can understand the process and requirements.

Who Is Eligible?

Mom‑and‑Pop Landlords

Landlords who own four or fewer rental units are eligible if they have been unable to collect rent because of the Eaton and Palisades fires. These small‑scale landlords are recognized as a vulnerable group, and the program is specifically structured to address their unique challenges.

Displaced Homeowners

Homeowners who were displaced from their original properties by the fires and now owe back rent in their current rental homes also qualify. The program acknowledges that displacement can create a cascade of financial obligations, and it offers relief for those who are still paying rent in a new location.

Tenants with Emergency‑Related Rent Debt

Tenants who have incurred rent debt directly related to the fires can also participate. They can review the eligibility guidelines and submit an interest form that refers their landlord to the program, ensuring that both parties receive the necessary assistance.

Financial Assistance Details

The county’s emergency rent relief program provides grants that can cover up to six months of rent debt. In practical terms, this means a maximum award of $15,000 per rental unit, as stated on the county website.

The assistance is not limited to unpaid rent or mortgage payments. It can also be used for other unpaid expenses that are connected to the January fires. This flexibility allows applicants to address a broader range of financial hardships caused by the disaster.

How to Apply and What to Provide

Applicants must submit a range of documentation to prove eligibility. The required records include:

• Authentic proof of ownership for landlords
• IRS records that verify income and tax status
• Lease agreements that demonstrate the terms of the tenancy

A detailed list of required documents is available on the portal, and applicants can download it before beginning the application process. The county encourages applicants to gather all necessary paperwork in advance to avoid delays.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. The deadline is strictly enforced, and the county advises applicants to complete the process well before the cutoff to ensure that their request is processed in a timely manner.

Key Takeaways

• The LA County Emergency Rent Relief Program is now open for applications.
• Eligible participants include small landlords, displaced homeowners, and tenants with fire‑related rent debt.
• Grants can cover up to six months of rent, with a maximum award of $15,000 per unit.
• Assistance may also address other unpaid expenses related to the January fires.
• Applications must be filed by Jan. 23, 2026, 4:59 p.m., and documentation such as proof of ownership, IRS records, and lease agreements is required.

The program represents a significant step toward helping residents recover from the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires. By providing both tenants and landlords with financial support, Los Angeles County is working to stabilize communities and rebuild livelihoods in the wake of the disaster.

Closing

Residents who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to visit the newly launched portal immediately. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has made the application process as straightforward as possible, and the county is ready to disburse funds to those who need them most. As the community continues to heal, this emergency rent relief program offers a lifeline to those who have lost more than just property.