While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging

Residents have already seen online listings skyrocketing in price—despite laws against such hikes. With fires still raging, LA and Pasadena tenants are demanding protections against rent raises and eviction.

1 minute read

January 22, 2025, 10:00 AM PST

By Shelterforce


Smoky sky overlooking Los Angeles skyline during 2025 wildfires.

Smoke fills the sky over Los Angeles during the January 2025 wildfires. | logoboom / Adobe Stock

Following devastating fires that destroyed over 12,000 structures in Los Angeles County, tenant advocacy groups are demanding stronger emergency housing protections amid reports of widespread rental price gouging.

The LA Tenants Union and a coalition of 70+ organizations are calling for an eviction moratorium, rent freeze, and enforcement of anti-price gouging laws. While the city council is considering limited protections for fire-impacted tenants, advocates argue these measures don't go far enough, citing documentation requirements that could exclude vulnerable residents.

Price gouging has emerged as an immediate concern, with rents surging beyond legal limits set during emergencies. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an active investigation into illegal rent increases on January 16. A crowdsourced database has collected over 1,000 potential violations.

In Pasadena, where the Eaton fire caused significant damage, tenant groups are also fighting attempts to weaken existing rent control protections. Local landlord organizations have requested exemptions from Measure H's rent stabilization provisions, claiming these would help house fire victims – an argument tenant advocates dispute.

 

The crisis compounds Los Angeles County's existing housing challenges, where nearly 75,000 people experience homelessness nightly.

Friday, January 17, 2025 in Shelterforce Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.