2025 Los Angeles Fires

• An initial 90-day mortgage payment forbearance period subject to extension in 90-day increments up to a maximum of 12 months. This allows the lender to work out a suitable repayment plan with the borrower.
• Prohibitions on mortgage lender or servicer from requiring a lump sum or “balloon” payments, if the mortgage was current  on the residential mortgage loan when the borrower entered forbearance.
• No late fees or charging a default rate of interest during the forbearance period.
• No initiations of foreclosures or evictions if the borrower is performing according to the terms of the forbearance agreement.
• No reporting to credit agencies that the mortgage is in forbearance, or furnishing information during the forbearance period indicating that the payments are in forbearance.
• AB 238 also clarified that mortgage servicers are not required to take actions that would require the mortgage lender or servicer to breach the terms of an existing contract with the investor that owns the residential mortgage loan.

• Fannie Mae Disaster Relief. Homeowners may be eligible for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for up to 12 months if they are impacted by a disaster. Homeowners and renters may call 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243) to access Fannie Mae’s disaster recovery counseling or visit the Fannie Mae website for more information.
• Freddie Mac Disaster Relief. If your home loan is owned by Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for relief for up to 12 months without incurring late fees or penalties. Find more information on Freddie Mac relief programs.
• Help for Anyone with Mortgage Issues. If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage, a LA Co. Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ foreclosure prevention expert or a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified housing counselor can discuss other mortgage relief options with you.If you would like more information on legal resources, you may visit the California Courts’ website Foreclosure and Mortgage Help Self-Help Guide.
• Direct Financial Assistance for Owner and Renters: If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or business, you may be eligible for a disaster assistance loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • Homeowners may apply for a loan of up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
  • Renters and homeowners may borrow a loan of up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property — such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances — damaged or destroyed in a disaster. Apply here.
• If you would like additional self-help materials relating to mortgages, the LA Co. Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has a Saving Your Home information hub page and the Department of Real Estate has many publications in its digital library, including FAQs in A Consumer Guide to Mortgage-Related Complaints.
• Printable Mortgage Relief Resources
  • English (PDF) | Korean (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Traditional Chinese (PDF) | Vietnamese (PDF)

Rights for Renters

According to the L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), if a rental unit has been completely destroyed in a disaster, the rental agreement is void under California law. This means you are no longer obligated to pay rent and the landlord is no longer required to provide you housing. Renters may have ongoing obligations if their unit is partially destroyed or suffers only minor damage, in which case it is important to seek legal advice from an attorney before stopping rent payments. You may wish to consult with the DCBA, a legal aid, or a tenant’s attorney for more information about your rights and remedies.

Emergency Housing

• Locate the nearest open Red Cross shelter. Or, go to the Emergency Shelter page to find other shelters in your area.
• Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Centers
  Get help with federal aid applications, housing and rental support, and access to services. Review the Disaster Recovery Center checklist to help with your visit.