The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to extend housing price gouging protections through July 31, 2025, for residents still displaced by the devastating January 2025 wildfires.
Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger sponsored the motion, which builds on the board's initial declaration of a local emergency on Jan. 7, 2025. That declaration activated housing price gouging protections under state and local law.
The extension is authorized under state law, which permits local governments to renew protections every 30 days when necessary to protect life, property or public welfare.
"The fires may have been six months ago, but for too many, recovery is still ongoing—and unfortunately, that's exactly when bad actors try to strike," Horvath said. "Price gouging protections are essential to making sure our communities can rebuild without being exploited."
Horvath urged residents to report suspected price gouging to the county's Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
Board Chair Kathryn Barger said wildfire survivors deserve protection from being priced out of their communities during recovery.
"Extending these protections is a vital step that provides stability and dignity as families continue their rebuilding journey," Barger said. "We have a responsibility to stand with them and ensure that recovery is not exploited for profit."
The motion extends county enforcement of housing-related price gouging protections that limit rent and hotel rate increases during a declared emergency. The protections also prohibit evictions followed by relisting properties at higher prices.
The January 2025 wildfires caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles County, displacing thousands of residents. Six months later, many families remain in temporary housing while working to rebuild their homes and lives.
Price gouging protections during emergencies are designed to prevent landlords and hotel operators from taking advantage of vulnerable residents when housing demand increases dramatically due to displacement.
The board's action ensures continued oversight of housing costs for wildfire survivors as the community works toward long-term recovery.
Edited by SMDP Staff