What to Do If You’re a Renter Affected By the Los Angeles Wildfires?

Feb 26, 2025

If you’re a renter in Los Angeles who has been impacted by the recent wildfires, you may be wondering what your rights are when it comes to your lease, rent payments, security deposit, and relocation assistance. The good news is that California law provides protections for tenants in these situations, helping to make sure that you aren’t left with financial burdens for a home that is no longer livable.

At SNS Law Group, we are dedicated to helping tenants navigate their legal options and obtain the financial and housing support they need. In this video, Eva Koby, Of Counsel at SNS Law Group, breaks down what renters should do if their home was damaged or destroyed by the fires and how to recover losses from landlords or insurance companies.

If you’re a renter in Los Angeles affected by the wildfires, contact SNS Law Group today. Our team is ready to help you navigate your rights, ensure you receive proper compensation, and protect you from landlord disputes.

Transcript: 

Are you a renter in Los Angeles who’s been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires? If so, here’s some information that you should know.

Fire at Rental Unit

Lease and Rent

If your rental unit has been totally destroyed, your lease is therefore canceled. Now, what does that mean? That means the rent that you’ve paid thus far, the landlord gets to keep. However, the rent that you have paid, but you are no longer able to live in that unit, the landlord must refund. Also, any future rents that you were obligated to pay under your lease are no longer your obligation because your lease is canceled.

Security Deposit

Now, what about your security deposit? If the rental unit has been totally destroyed, the landlord is obligated to return your security deposit.

Relocation Assistance and Renters’ Insurance

Renters are also asking about relocation costs and assistance. Renters should be looking at their renters’ insurance policy to determine whether they can get relocation costs and assistance. Two things to look for in your renters’ insurance policy are: one, your loss of use, and two, additional living expenses, to determine whether your renters’ insurance policy provides coverage for relocation costs and assistance.

FEMA

If renters in Los Angeles who’ve been affected by the wildfires do not have renters’ insurance, they can also seek federal aid through FEMA. FEMA may be able to provide you with some assistance for your temporary relocation housing expenses.

Legal Help for Renters Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires

If you’re a renter in Los Angeles who has been affected by the wildfires, please feel free to give our office a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.