Governor Newsom issues executive order extending protections to help ensure that Los Angeles firestorm survivors can access rental housing; FEMA deadline to apply for support has been extended
By ONME News
LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to maintain protections for renters and homeowners affected by Los Angeles area firestorms. The order extends state price gouging restrictions for rental housing, hotels, and short-term housing, extends support for survivors sheltering in hotels and short-term housing, and prioritizes fire-survivors experiencing homelessness for state-funded housing.
Meanwhile at Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for survivors of the Los Angeles fires to register for federal aid which allows for homeowners, renters, and workers who had losses from the wildfires now have until to apply by Monday, March 31 to apply for federal aid. Register today at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration assistance (SBA) provides financial and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their wildfire recovery efforts.
“Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting California’s request to extend the individual assistance program as our communities in Los Angeles continue to rebuild and recover. I urge Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades to apply for federal assistance to help get back on their feet.” Governor Gavin Newsom
FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the wildfire can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
The previous deadline for registration for disaster aid was March 10, but Governor Newsom and California’s bipartisan congressional delegation requested an extension to allow more survivors to sign up for assistance.
Through the executive order, Newsom is providing relief to LA County fire victims immediately.
“As the Los Angeles community continues to recover and rebuild, the state remains steadfast in its commitment to providing targeted relief and assistance. Today I am issuing an executive order to further ensure that survivors are protected from exploitation and can access housing they need.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Today’s executive order extends several of Governor Newsom’s executive orders that were set to expire, helping to encourage immediate access to housing and protect tenants from potential exploitation.
Today’s executive order:
Extends price gouging protections on rental housing, hotels, and motel rates, including prohibitions on evictions of tenants to relist the rental at a higher rate to July 1, 2025, while retaining exemptions for large homes in zip codes with high fair market values which have not recently been on the rental market to help ensure they are available for rental during recovery efforts. The order also exempts newly constructed housing to increase housing supply by enabling pricing flexibility for these new buildings that face higher financing costs.
Extends the suspension of laws that would classify occupants of hotels, motels, and temporary housing as tenants after 30 days, giving people more time to find alternative housing.
Prioritizes fire survivors experiencing homelessness by prioritizing them on waiting lists for state-funded housing for which they otherwise qualify so they can secure housing faster, consistent with the approach taken by the federal government in response to emergencies.
Supports the rebuilding of two commercial corridors in Altadena to their pre-fire character to support small businesses and rebuild walkable, vibrant community spaces.
How to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option).
On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play).
By phone on the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week.
In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, go to CA.gov/LAfires.
Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage with your insurance company before they apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors do not need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who are uninsured or underinsured.
If you have been denied for FEMA assistance, you can submit an appeal by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center in your community, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by going online to disasterassistance.gov.
Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has also been extended until March 31. DUA is for workers—such as self-employed people—who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and lost their jobs or had hours reduced because of the Los Angeles County wildfires.
Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at the California Employment Development Department
To find other forms of assistance and track progress in wildfire recovery visit: https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/
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