BOARD EXTENDS WILDFIRE PRICE GOUGING PROTECTIONS THROUGH AUGUST
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger to extend housing price gouging protections for residents still displaced by the devastating January 2025 wildfires through August 30, 2025.
This action builds on the Board’s first declaration of a local emergency on January 7, 2025, activating housing price gouging protections under state and local law. This latest 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.
“Seven months in, our residents still need protection from predatory practices that make housing even more unaffordable and unattainable in these times of crisis,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “By extending these protections, we’re helping ensure that every family has the chance to rebuild without fear of being priced out. If you suspect price gouging, report it to our Department of Consumer and Business Affairs so we can hold these bad actors accountable.”
“It’s essential that we continue enforcing price gouging prohibitions to protect Eaton Fire survivors from unfair rent hikes,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “No one recovering from disaster should face eviction or be priced out of temporary housing. These protections provide stability during a time when individuals and families need it most.”
The motion extends through August 30, 2025, County enforcement of housing-related price gouging protections that limit rent and hotel rate increases during a declared emergency and prohibit evictions followed by relisting at higher prices.
Earlier this month, the Board moved to strengthen enforcement by advancing an urgency ordinance that expands the County’s ability to hold violators accountable during declared emergencies. The Board will consider the ordinance within 30 days; if adopted, it will empower the DCBA to issue administrative fines, secure restitution for victims, apply meaningful penalties to prevent illegal price hikes, and take pro-active steps for investigation and enforcement.
