As if Eshagian didn’t already make things hard enough for landlords, the City of Los Angeles continues to pile on new procedural landmines. The latest? A new Right to Counsel Program Ordinance (RTCPO) passed on April 1, 2025, with new attachment requirements for 3-Day Notices to Pay Rent or Quit.

Here's the kicker: the law requires landlords to include a “Right to Counsel Program Notice” with rent demands—but the City hasn’t released one yet. That’s right: they enacted the ordinance, mandated the form, and then failed to publish it. As of now, the RTC Program’s website https://housing.lacity.gov/RTC is still in what appears to be a draft stage, and no compliant notice is available for download.

This change was quietly revealed in the latest version of the City’s Tenant Protections Notice, which itself was only released on July 1, 2025. Landlords are expected to post this updated Tenant Protections Notice on the property—yet another trapdoor for anyone not closely monitoring City Housing bulletins.

To help a client navigate this mess, I drafted an interim version of the Right to Counsel notice just to keep them in compliance. But make no mistake—failure to attach these notices (even when the City hasn't provided them) can derail your case.

This is just one more reason why landlords in Los Angeles can’t afford to go it alone. Between Eshagian and this ever-changing web of hyper-technical local rules, even minor procedural missteps can result in costly delays or outright dismissal.

Want to protect your case? Get it right the first time. Call an attorney who knows how to navigate this minefield.

— Jonathan T. Dawson, Esq.

The Law Office of Jonathan T. Dawson represents landlords throughout Los Angeles County in all aspects of residential and commercial landlord-tenant disputes, including unlawful detainer (eviction) actions, lease enforcement, and code compliance. For help navigating L.A.'s complex rent control and tenant protection laws, contact us at contact@jtd.esq or call 424.535.0005.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post or contacting the Law Office of Jonathan T. Dawson does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.