The Rent Brigade says it's found evidence of thousands of likely instances of rent gouging. In some cases, the landlords accused of exploiting the fires had made campaign donations to those responsible for enforcement.
After wildfires swept through Los Angeles in early 2025, a state of emergency triggered rent-gouging protections meant to cap rent increases. Despite these laws, landlords across L.A. dramatically raised rents — many well above legal limits — with little enforcement. A volunteer group called Rent Brigade documented over 5,000 suspected violations and released a report showing that many landlords responsible also donated over $300,000 to the very officials tasked with enforcing the law.
Only nine landlords have been charged so far, and critics argue that local prosecutors are avoiding action, despite strong evidence and political pressure. The report highlights well-known landlords and corporations, including Trump associate Steven Witkoff and corporate landlords like Kilroy Realty and AvalonBay.
Advocates are pushing for stronger legislation to close loopholes, extend protections through the full emergency period, and increase penalties. They’re also calling for more transparency and accountability from local officials — especially as climate-related disasters and displacement are expected to worsen.
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