How to Report Rental Price Gouging
Ascent Property Management • January 17, 2025
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.
What is Rental Price Gouging?
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.
How to Spot Price Gouging
To determine if you're experiencing price gouging:
- Review the Pre-Disaster Rent: Compare the current rental price to before the state of emergency was declared.
- Look for Unjustified Fees: Be cautious of hidden fees or sudden increases in deposits that effectively raise the cost of renting.
- Document All Communication: Save any advertisements, emails, or rental agreements showing price changes.
Steps to Report Price Gouging
If you suspect rental price gouging, take the following steps:
- Gather Evidence: Collect documents such as lease agreements, listings, or correspondence that show the rental price hike.
- File a Complaint:
- California Attorney General’s Office: Submit your complaint online at oag.ca.gov/report or call their consumer hotline.
- Local Authorities: Contact your city or county's consumer protection office for additional support.
- Report to HUD: If the property receives federal funding, you can report the issue to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact a tenant rights attorney or local legal aid organization for guidance on your specific situation.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
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.
As spring arrives in San Diego, so does one of the biggest threats to rental properties—termites. While termites are a year-round concern, spring is when they become most active, swarming in search of new places to establish colonies. For landlords, early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite season and how to protect your rental property. Why Spring Is Peak Termite Season Termites, particularly dry wood and subterranean species become more visible in the spring because of increased warmth and humidity. Swarmers—winged termites looking for new homes—emerge in large numbers, often resembling flying ants. If you or your tenants notice them inside or around the property, it’s a sign that termites may already exist. Signs of a Termite Infestation Landlords should stay vigilant for these common signs of termite activity: Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build small, pencil-thin tunnels along walls and foundations to retain moisture as they travel. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If tapping on wood surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites may have eaten away the interior. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored droppings near infested areas. Warped Doors and Windows: As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause structures to shift, making doors and windows harder to open or close. Visible Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing swarmers inside a rental property or piles of shed wings is a major red flag. Prevention Tips for Landlords To keep termites at bay, landlords should take proactive measures, such as: Scheduling Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections can catch infestations before they become severe. Keeping the Property Dry: Fixing leaks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper drainage reduces the moisture termites need to survive. Using Treated Wood: If making repairs, opt for termite-resistant materials. Removing Wood-to-Soil Contact: Avoid storing firewood near the foundation and ensure wooden structures don’t directly touch the soil. Protecting Your Investment with Professional Help At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to avoid issues with your investment property. Our team is here to help you manage your property with proactive maintenance and expert guidance, ensuring your rental stays in great shape. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in protecting your investment.
As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time for San Diego landlords to refresh their rental properties. With mild weather and longer days, tenants are more likely to spend time outdoors, making it essential to ensure your property is in top shape. From deep cleaning to maintenance checks, here’s how to get your rental ready for the season. 1. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance San Diego’s mild winters don’t bring the harsh conditions seen in other parts of the country, but routine maintenance is still essential. Spring is the perfect time to service HVAC systems, clean out dryer vents, and inspect plumbing for leaks. If your rental has air conditioning, schedule a tune-up to ensure it’s running efficiently before the warmer months arrive. 2. Refresh Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces Curb appeal matters year-round, but spring is when tenants are most likely to enjoy patios, yards, or balconies. Trim overgrown trees and bushes, refresh mulch, and plant drought-resistant flowers to enhance your property’s look with minimal upkeep. If your rental includes an outdoor common area, check furniture and lighting to ensure everything is in good condition. 3. Deep Clean and Declutter A thorough cleaning after winter is always a good idea. If your rental is between tenants, schedule a deep clean, including carpet cleaning and window washing. Power washing driveways, sidewalks, and patios can also make a big difference in maintaining the property’s overall appearance. 4. Check for Repairs and Safety Concerns Spring is a great time to inspect the property for any needed repairs. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, leaky faucets, or cracks in walkways. Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries, and double-check that outdoor lighting is functioning correctly. Taking care of these details helps prevent bigger problems down the road. At Ascent Property Management , we help San Diego landlords stay on top of seasonal maintenance, tenant communication, and property upkeep. Our team ensures your rental is well-maintained, so you can maximize your investment without the hassle. Whether you need full-service management or just assistance with leasing, we’re here to support you. Contact us today to see how we can make spring property management seamless for you!
As a landlord, choosing the right property management company can make or break your investment experience. A strong management partner can help streamline operations, maximize profits, and protect your property, while the wrong one can lead to financial headaches and frustration. 2025 is the perfect time to evaluate your current management setup and ensure you've partnered with a company that aligns with your goals. Assess Your Needs Before you start your search, consider what you need from a property management company. Are you seeking comprehensive services like tenant placement, rent collection, and maintenance? Or do you need a more specialized approach tailored to unique properties like short-term rentals? Understanding your priorities will make it easier to find a company with the right expertise. Prioritize Communication Clear and responsive communication is essential for a smooth landlord-manager relationship. Whether it’s updates on maintenance requests, tenant issues, or financial reporting, you need a company that keeps you informed. During your vetting process, pay attention to how quickly they respond to your inquiries and the level of professionalism in their communication. Review Their Technology and Systems Technology plays a key role in modern property management. Look for companies that use user-friendly portals for rent collection, maintenance tracking, and financial reporting. These tools provide transparency and ensure you're always aware of how your property is performing. Compare Pricing and Services While cost is a factor, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Evaluate what services are included in their fees and make sure there are no hidden costs. A great management company will provide value through efficient operations, tenant retention, and minimized vacancies. Why Choose Ascent Property Management? At Ascent Property Management , we understand the challenges landlords face. Our team provides tailored solutions to help you maximize your property’s potential while delivering seamless, stress-free management. Whether it’s tenant placement, property maintenance, or financial reporting, we prioritize transparency and communication every step of the way. Let us help you succeed in 2025 and beyond. Reach out to learn how we can make property management easy for you.
While San Diego’s winters are mild, the holiday season still brings chilly weather that can affect both safety and energy bills. Here’s how landlords can help tenants stay safe and save on their power bills this holiday season: Holiday Lighting Safety: San Diego’s relatively dry climate can make electrical fires a concern during the holidays. Encourage tenants to use energy-efficient LED lights and avoid overloading electrical outlets to reduce fire risks. Consider reminding tenants to turn off lights at night or use timers to save energy and prevent lights from running all night long. Keeping Walkways Safe: While snow isn’t a concern, the chilly temperatures and occasional rain can make sidewalks slippery. Remind tenants to keep pathways clear of water puddles, leaves, or other debris that can become hazardous. You might want to offer tenants guidance on handling any heavy rains or windy conditions that could affect the outdoor areas. Managing Indoor Heating Costs: San Diego doesn’t typically see freezing temperatures, but it can still get chilly. Encourage tenants to keep their thermostats at an energy-efficient setting, such as 68°F during the day and 60°F at night. Suggest using space heaters in individual rooms instead of cranking up the whole-house heater. Be sure to remind tenants to always turn off space heaters when not in use. Weatherproofing for Comfort and Savings: Chilly winds can sneak in through cracks in windows and doors. Encourage tenants to use weatherstripping or draft blockers to keep the warmth inside. A simple tip is to close curtains at night to trap heat, but be sure they don’t block any heating vents. Cooking Smarter During the Holidays: With the holiday season comes a lot of cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of holiday fires, accounting for nearly 50% of all home fires during the season. It's important to be cautious and never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, as even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious fire hazard. Tenant Communication and Emergency Preparedness: Send a holiday safety reminder email or flyer with tips on fire safety, energy-saving habits, and how to properly report maintenance issues related to heating systems and other emergencies. Ascent Property Management At Ascent Property Management, we prioritize the safety and well-being of both tenants and property owners, offering expert guidance and support to ensure your property stays safe and well-maintained throughout the holiday season. Schedule a complimentary consultation today!
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As spring arrives in San Diego, so does one of the biggest threats to rental properties—termites. While termites are a year-round concern, spring is when they become most active, swarming in search of new places to establish colonies. For landlords, early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite season and how to protect your rental property. Why Spring Is Peak Termite Season Termites, particularly dry wood and subterranean species become more visible in the spring because of increased warmth and humidity. Swarmers—winged termites looking for new homes—emerge in large numbers, often resembling flying ants. If you or your tenants notice them inside or around the property, it’s a sign that termites may already exist. Signs of a Termite Infestation Landlords should stay vigilant for these common signs of termite activity: Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build small, pencil-thin tunnels along walls and foundations to retain moisture as they travel. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If tapping on wood surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites may have eaten away the interior. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored droppings near infested areas. Warped Doors and Windows: As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause structures to shift, making doors and windows harder to open or close. Visible Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing swarmers inside a rental property or piles of shed wings is a major red flag. Prevention Tips for Landlords To keep termites at bay, landlords should take proactive measures, such as: Scheduling Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections can catch infestations before they become severe. Keeping the Property Dry: Fixing leaks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper drainage reduces the moisture termites need to survive. Using Treated Wood: If making repairs, opt for termite-resistant materials. Removing Wood-to-Soil Contact: Avoid storing firewood near the foundation and ensure wooden structures don’t directly touch the soil. Protecting Your Investment with Professional Help At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to avoid issues with your investment property. Our team is here to help you manage your property with proactive maintenance and expert guidance, ensuring your rental stays in great shape. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in protecting your investment.
As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time for San Diego landlords to refresh their rental properties. With mild weather and longer days, tenants are more likely to spend time outdoors, making it essential to ensure your property is in top shape. From deep cleaning to maintenance checks, here’s how to get your rental ready for the season. 1. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance San Diego’s mild winters don’t bring the harsh conditions seen in other parts of the country, but routine maintenance is still essential. Spring is the perfect time to service HVAC systems, clean out dryer vents, and inspect plumbing for leaks. If your rental has air conditioning, schedule a tune-up to ensure it’s running efficiently before the warmer months arrive. 2. Refresh Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces Curb appeal matters year-round, but spring is when tenants are most likely to enjoy patios, yards, or balconies. Trim overgrown trees and bushes, refresh mulch, and plant drought-resistant flowers to enhance your property’s look with minimal upkeep. If your rental includes an outdoor common area, check furniture and lighting to ensure everything is in good condition. 3. Deep Clean and Declutter A thorough cleaning after winter is always a good idea. If your rental is between tenants, schedule a deep clean, including carpet cleaning and window washing. Power washing driveways, sidewalks, and patios can also make a big difference in maintaining the property’s overall appearance. 4. Check for Repairs and Safety Concerns Spring is a great time to inspect the property for any needed repairs. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, leaky faucets, or cracks in walkways. Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries, and double-check that outdoor lighting is functioning correctly. Taking care of these details helps prevent bigger problems down the road. At Ascent Property Management , we help San Diego landlords stay on top of seasonal maintenance, tenant communication, and property upkeep. Our team ensures your rental is well-maintained, so you can maximize your investment without the hassle. Whether you need full-service management or just assistance with leasing, we’re here to support you. Contact us today to see how we can make spring property management seamless for you!
As a landlord, choosing the right property management company can make or break your investment experience. A strong management partner can help streamline operations, maximize profits, and protect your property, while the wrong one can lead to financial headaches and frustration. 2025 is the perfect time to evaluate your current management setup and ensure you've partnered with a company that aligns with your goals. Assess Your Needs Before you start your search, consider what you need from a property management company. Are you seeking comprehensive services like tenant placement, rent collection, and maintenance? Or do you need a more specialized approach tailored to unique properties like short-term rentals? Understanding your priorities will make it easier to find a company with the right expertise. Prioritize Communication Clear and responsive communication is essential for a smooth landlord-manager relationship. Whether it’s updates on maintenance requests, tenant issues, or financial reporting, you need a company that keeps you informed. During your vetting process, pay attention to how quickly they respond to your inquiries and the level of professionalism in their communication. Review Their Technology and Systems Technology plays a key role in modern property management. Look for companies that use user-friendly portals for rent collection, maintenance tracking, and financial reporting. These tools provide transparency and ensure you're always aware of how your property is performing. Compare Pricing and Services While cost is a factor, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Evaluate what services are included in their fees and make sure there are no hidden costs. A great management company will provide value through efficient operations, tenant retention, and minimized vacancies. Why Choose Ascent Property Management? At Ascent Property Management , we understand the challenges landlords face. Our team provides tailored solutions to help you maximize your property’s potential while delivering seamless, stress-free management. Whether it’s tenant placement, property maintenance, or financial reporting, we prioritize transparency and communication every step of the way. Let us help you succeed in 2025 and beyond. Reach out to learn how we can make property management easy for you.
