While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging

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.