SEC. 166.02. DEFINITIONS.

The following words and phrases, whenever used in this article, shall be construed as defined in this section:

Covered Geography. This term means those zip codes that the Department has approved and included in the Right to Counsel Program or the Eviction Defense Program. In the event of a dispute, the Department shall determine whether a zip code has been included in either the Right to Counsel Program or the Eviction Defense Program.

Covered Tenant. An Eligible Tenant who satisfies all conditions of Subsection A. of Section 166.03.

Department. The Los Angeles Housing Department and any successor department.

Eligible Tenant. This term means a Tenant that earns gross income equal to or less than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) as determined by HUD’s income limits for Los Angeles in effect at the time of application. The Department shall determine the documentation requirements for establishing proof of income.

Eviction Defense Program. That certain program established by the Department for the purpose of paying for legal representation and administering support, education, and certain other services and assistance to Tenants facing eviction.

Eviction Notice. Any notice that commences the process of terminating a tenancy, however denominated. The term includes, but is not limited to, a notice described in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161(1) - (4) and California Civil Code Section 1946.

Landlord. An owner, lessor, or sublessor (including any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity) who offers a Rental Unit for rent, receives rent for the use or occupancy of a Rental Unit, or maintains a legal proceeding for possession of a Rental Unit, or the agent, representative or successor of any of the foregoing.

Legal Proceeding. Any legal or administrative action to evict a Tenant, terminate a tenancy or recover possession of the premises occupied by a Tenant including: (1) an unlawful detainer proceeding; or (2) an administrative proceeding concerning a Tenant’s rental housing subsidy that may result in the termination of the subsidy. This term does not include an appellate proceeding or a proceeding for judicial review of an administrative agency’s determination with respect to termination of a rental housing subsidy.

Legal Representation. This term means representing a Covered Tenant in a Legal Proceeding.

Rental Unit. This term refers to all dwelling units, efficiency dwelling units, guest rooms, and suites, as defined in Section 12.03 of this Code, all housing accommodations as defined in Government Code Section 12927, all duplexes, condominiums and single-family homes in the City of Los Angeles, rented or offered for rent for living, dwelling and/or human habitation purposes, the land and buildings appurtenant thereto, and all housing services, privileges, furnishings, and facilities supplied in connection with the use or occupancy thereof, including garage and parking facilities. This term includes all rental units owned, operated, or managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (“HACLA”). This term shall also include mobile homes, whether rent is paid for the mobile home and the land upon which the mobile home is located, or rent is paid for the land alone. Further, it shall include recreational vehicles, as defined in California Civil Code Section 799.29, if located in a mobile home park or recreational vehicle park, whether rent is paid for the recreational vehicle and the land upon which it is located, or rent is paid for the land alone.

Tenant. A tenant, subtenant, lessee, sublessee or any other person entitled to use or occupancy of a Rental Unit.