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. 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Saturday reminded residents and businesses that price gouging during this state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. As reported by KCRA, Bonta emphasized that violators could face penalties of up to one year in jail and/or fines of up to $10,000. He also encouraged reporting of violations to local authorities or the Attorney General’s office.

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. 

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: 

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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