As wildfires devastate Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the California Apartment Association expresses its deepest sympathies to those impacted and encourages rental property owners to stay informed about their legal responsibilities and ways to support fire victims.   

California’s anti-price-gouging law, Penal Code Section 396, is now in effect. This law limits rent increases to no more than 10% above pre-emergency levels after an emergency is declared. It applies to both existing tenants and new leases and restricts price increases on essential goods and services. 

The rent cap protections triggered by the current state of emergency for the Palisades Fire are set to expire on Feb. 6, 2025, unless extended through executive orders or local declarations. Rental property owners across the state should note that price-gouging protections apply wherever displacement increases demand for housing. 

Opportunities to help fire victims 

Rental property owners can support their communities by donating to organizations that provide shelter, food, and supplies or by contributing to local relief efforts. The CAA’s fire-assistance resources page offers links to trusted organizations like the Red Cross and information on how members can assist. 

While CAA cannot facilitate direct housing placements, rental property owners are encouraged to update their listings on platforms like Apartments.com or Zillow to assist displaced residents in finding temporary housing. 

Federal assistance for fire victims 

President Biden’s recent approval of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal resources to aid fire victims in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Eligible residents and business owners can apply for: 

  • Grants for temporary housing and home repairs 
  • Low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses 
  • Other recovery programs to support disaster recovery efforts 

To apply for assistance: 

Fire details and ongoing efforts 

Southern California’s fires have caused widespread destruction, displacing tens of thousands of residents and prompting massive firefighting efforts. Major fires include: 

  • Palisades Fire: Burned over 17,200 acres, damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, and prompted the evacuation of more than 37,000 residents. 
  • Eaton Fire: Scorched 10,600 acres, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and caused five fatalities. 
  • Hurst Fire: Burned 700 acres near Sylmar, with no containment as of Wednesday. 
  • Sunset Fire: Burned 60 acres near Runyon Canyon, prompting temporary evacuations in Hollywood. 

Although high winds initially fueled the fires, calmer weather has allowed for improved containment efforts. 

Statewide emergencies and additional protections 

In addition to the local emergencies in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, California remains under a statewide emergency related to Bird Flu, declared on Dec. 18, 2024. Like the wildfire declarations, this emergency imposes a 10% cap on rent increases and is set to expire on Jan. 17, 2025, unless extended.

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