Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kathryn Barger
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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance on Tuesday extending price‑gouging protections on rental housing through August 30, 2025, in response to the local emergency triggered by January’s catastrophic wildfires.
Emergency Measures and Background
- On January 7, 2025, the Board declared a local state of emergency following fast‑moving wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. That declaration activated protections under California Penal Code § 396, limiting rent and hotel rate increases to no more than 10% above pre‑disaster levels.
- Under California law, local jurisdictions may extend these protections in 30‑day increments as long as the emergency remains in effect.
Why the Extension?
Continuing housing instability
- Nearly seven months after the fires, many residents remain displaced, and short‑term leases signed immediately after the disaster are expiring—some facing rent hikes of 50% or more without renewed protections.
- A Los Angeles Times analysis found rent increases in fire‑adjacent neighborhoods climbing faster than in the rest of the county.
Officials emphasize protection
- Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, co‑author of the motion, stated:
“Seven months in, our residents still need protection from predatory practices … By extending these protections, we’re helping ensure that every family has the chance to rebuild without fear of being priced out”. - Supervisor Kathryn Barger added that no wildfire survivor should be evicted or priced out of temporary housing, emphasizing the need for stability during recovery.
Enforcement and Legal Actions
- County officials have recently proposed an urgency ordinance to bolster enforcement, granting the Department of Consumer & Business Affairs (DCBA) authority to issue administrative fines, secure restitution, and pursue proactive investigations.
- The Board also raised maximum fines from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation to deter illicit rent hikes.
Broader Context
- Since the emergency declaration, DCBA has received more than 3,800 consumer complaints alleging price gouging, mostly related to housing.
- The department has issued over 1,800 cease‑and‑desist letters and referred more than 230 cases to a Price Gouging Task Force for follow‑up.
- Meanwhile, Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed lawsuits, including a recent suit against Airbnb for alleged illegal rent hikes on over 2,000 listings during the emergency period—seeking up to $2,500 per violation.
Summary
LA County’s Board has extended emergency price‑gouging protections on rental housing through August 30, 2025. This move ensures that displaced residents remain shielded from sharp rent increases and evictions, as recovery continues following January’s devastating wildfires. Enforcement measures are strengthening, with significant penalties in place to hold violators accountable.
