No more governor-declared emergencies in effect

A winter storm-related state of emergency in Ventura County, and its related caps on rent increases, ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 16. This expiration leaves the state without any governor-declared emergencies with anti-price gouging restrictions as per Penal Code § 396.

Prior to this, Ventura County was the last in the state under such a declaration. As of June 17, 2023, all governor-declared emergencies related to winter storms have concluded.

When the state’s anti-price-gouging statute is activated, it is illegal to increase the price of many consumer goods and services, including that of rental housing, by more than 10% above pre-emergency levels. The limits on rent increases applied to existing tenants and to rent increases at unit turnover.

Please note that the California Apartment Association does not currently monitor local emergency declarations. Both presidential states of emergency and local emergencies declared by cities or counties can also activate the anti-price gouging rules under Penal Code § 396. For information on local emergencies, it is advised to consult with the relevant local authorities.

Violators of the statewide anti-price gouging law face significant penalties, including up to a year in county jail, fines of as much as $10,000, or both. Additional civil penalties may also apply, and local laws could impose further penalties.