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When disaster strikes, communities pull together to rebuild, but unfortunately, some take advantage of the situation by increasing rental prices unfairly.
California law protects consumers against price gouging during emergencies, ensuring landlords cannot raise rent excessively following a declared state of emergency.
In light of the recent fires in Los Angeles, it's essential to understand how to identify and report rental price gouging to protect yourself and others.
Under California Penal Code §396, rental price gouging occurs when landlords increase prices by more than 10% following a state of emergency. This law applies to all housing types, including apartments, single-family homes, and short-term rentals. The law remains in effect for up to 30 days after the emergency declaration, though it can be extended.
To determine if you're experiencing price gouging:
If you suspect rental price gouging, take the following steps:
Raising awareness about price gouging helps protect vulnerable residents from exploitation during difficult times. At Ascent Property Management, we believe in supporting tenants and ensuring fair practices across our industry.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.