The Blubber

Landlords in wildfire-stricken Los Angeles are dramatically raising rents—some by more than double—in violation of California’s anti-price-gouging laws, as thousands of residents scramble for housing after losing their homes.

California law prohibits landlords from increasing rents by more than 10% during a state of emergency. Despite this, numerous listings and accounts from realtors reveal that some landlords are exploiting the crisis. The wildfires have devastated communities from Malibu to Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying over 12,000 structures.

One glaring example is a five-bedroom home in Santa Monica. Previously listed at $12,500 per month in February 2024, it’s now relisted for $28,000 per month—a 124% hike, flagged by Inside Edition reporter Lisa Guerrero. Similarly, a North Hollywood rental saw an overnight increase of $800, now priced at $5,700 per month.

Samira Tapia, a Los Angeles-based real estate agent, reviewed over 400 listings and found nearly 100 properties exceeding the 10% cap. "People are so panicked and desperate to find housing that they’re just throwing money away," Tapia told the New York Times.

Another realtor, Laura Kate Jones, who is helping a client displaced by the Pacific Palisades fire, noted rent hikes of 15–20% for West LA properties, with one landlord raising the price by $3,000 during a property tour. "It’s horrendous to see people taking advantage of this situation," she said.

A spreadsheet compiled by Chelsea Kirk, director of policy and advocacy at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, documents these rent spikes with specific addresses and price comparisons. Among them: a Tudor mansion in Bel Air, originally listed at $29,500 per month in December, now relisted at $39,000. Even smaller homes have seen steep increases, such as a two-bedroom Woodland Hills property that jumped from $3,900 in November to $5,900 now, per Yahoo News.

This exploitation persists despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency last Tuesday, which triggered anti-price-gouging laws aimed at curbing such predatory practices. The housing crisis, compounded by the wildfires, has left thousands vulnerable as they seek shelter amidst skyrocketing rents.