(The Center Square) – Rent protections for residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires have been extended.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend a temporary measure prohibiting price-gouging in the rental market, hotels and motels. The measure, which would have expired July 1 without the extension, also continues protections against evictions.
The measure is now in effect until July 31 and limits rents from increasing by more than 10%.
“Families that signed six-month short-term leases in the immediate wake of the fires, could now face drastic price increases of 50% or more without further price gouging protection, as they will continue to need alternate accommodations as they rebuild their homes and their lives,” according to the written motion by supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger.
Price-gouging restrictions can be extended every 30 days under state law.
“The Board finds that this extension is necessary because complaints of price gouging are continuing and have been increasing, and such an extension will protect the lives, property, and/or welfare of the residents of the County,” according to the motion.
In written comments to the board, members of the Rent Brigade tenant advocacy group and other residents urged passage of the extension. They noted they’ve seen thousands of examples of price gouging online.
