An aerial view of Altadena and Pasadena.

Resources for Renters with Fire and Smoke Damaged Properties

If your unit or home was damaged, but not destroyed in the recent wildfires, you may be eligible for assistance and should:

First contact your insurance company and then apply for disaster assistance.

  1. If your home was damaged by the Los Angeles County Wildfires but you can live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. This assistance is for eligible renters and is in addition to other FEMA grants you may be eligible for.
  2. FEMA has funds available for renters to receive help paying for somewhere to stay temporarily or for items such as air purifiers.
  3. Apply at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center in Altadena or the UCLA Research Park.
  4. If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts from any supplies, materials, or paid help.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 10, 2025.

If you are a renter, there are several actions to take to help protect your rights.

Many tenants live in a rental unit with significant smoke damage, but no major structural damage. A landlord is always responsible for making necessary exterior and interior repairs to ensure a unit is in a livable condition.

Each situation is unique. A tenant’s rights might depend on the extent of the damage, where you live, and the terms of your lease. If you are unsure about your situation, contact the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) at 800-593-8222 or visit dcba.lacounty.gov or a Disaster Recovery Center.

If you are a renter:

  1. Explore other options for relief:
  2. If your rental property is under rent control, you may be eligible for relocation assistance while you are temporarily displaced. Contact DCBA(if you live in unincorporated areas) or the City of Pasadena(if you live in Pasadena).
  3. If you have renters’ insurance, you may be able to receive recovery costs, depending on your policy. Review your insurance policy and contact the California State Department of Insurancefor more information.
  4. Work closely with your landlord and decide if you wish to return.
  5. If your home is not fit to live in, you can choose to end your lease or to return once your home is repaired.
  6. Either way, inform your landlord in writing. Document every action you take in writing.
  7. If you choose to return once your home is repaired, seek legal help.

You may have the right to pay reduced rent or no rent while your home is being repaired. Get help from an attorney as you work through this process. Any time you don’t pay your rent, for any reason, your landlord can attempt to evict you. Contact Stay Housed LA at www.stayhousedla.org or call 1-888-694-0040.

If your home has ash or smoke damage, especially in the HVAC system, ask in writing for your landlord to make repairs as soon as possible. Your landlord is allowed a reasonable time to make repairs. They have to repair the structure of the home and any appliances that were included in the lease; they do not have to pay to replace your personal belongings.

Once the repairs are complete, the tenant can move back in again and resume paying rent in full.

For more detailed FAQs for renters, visit https://www.stayhousedla.org/wildfires.

Recovering from Smoke Damage: Steps for Renters Affected by LA County Wildfires

How to Clean Up Smoke and Soot from a Fire

Smoke and soot can travel and enter rooms affecting paint, carpet, upholstery, drapes, clothing and any other belongings. The first step that should be taken when cleaning up after a fire is ventilating the fire scene and removing debris.

Thorough cleaning and neutralizing of both the deposits and odors are required, including cleaning outdoor surfaces like playground equipment, prior to any restoration or reuse.

Note: If you have children, leave them with a relative or friend while you clean after the fire. The site may be unsafe for children, and seeing the damage may upset them and cause long-term effects, including nightmares.

  • Wear gloves such as household gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants to avoid skin contact. If you get any ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
  • Wear personal protective gear, such as a dust mask (preferably an N95 mask), to avoid breathing in ash and other airborne particles.
  •  Ventilate the area (open windows, etc.) to remove soot and odor.

More detailed instructions and techniques for cleaning up post-fire can be found at: LA County Department of Public Health.

Additional health tips and FAQs for renters are available at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire/.

Frequently Asked Questions

File a Complaint About an Insurance Provider

The Ombudsman’s primary function is to ensure the Department provides the highest level of customer service to our consumers, insurers, agents, brokers, and public officials.

California Department of Insurance
Office of the Ombudsman
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1600
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-492-3545

E-mail the Ombudsman at Ombudsman@insurance.ca.gov