Hotel Price Hikes: How to Report Price Gouging in Los Angeles

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left many residents devastated and overwhelmed, wondering how they will get back on their feet. After such a tragedy, finding a place to stay can become stressful, especially for families who lost everything. It's absolutely unfortunate, but some hotels might, intentionally or not, take advantage of this situation by hiking up their prices. This behavior, known as price gouging, is illegal in California during a declared state of emergency. We certainly hope you haven't been affected by this, but remember—it can happen to anyone.

At Yepremyan Law Firm, we believe in protecting our community during these challenging times. If you or someone you know experiences hotel price gouging in Los Angeles, we're here to help.

What Is Price Gouging and Why Is It Illegal?

Price gouging occurs when businesses dramatically increase prices on essential goods and services during emergencies to exploit heightened demand. Under California law, when a state of emergency is declared, businesses cannot raise prices on necessary goods and services, such as food, fuel, medical supplies, and housing, by more than 10%.

This law applies to hotel price hikes during LA fires, where families desperately seek shelter after losing their homes. Such actions are unethical and violate hotel price gouging laws, which are designed to protect communities from unfair treatment during times of crisis. Hotels in Los Angeles might engage in this illegal practice in the following ways:

Raising room rates well above standard prices for the same season or day of the week.
Adding hidden fees or inflated service charges, making accommodations unaffordable for those in need.
Claiming limited availability to justify gouging prices for remaining rooms.

While some hotels may knowingly exploit disaster victims, others may unintentionally violate hotel price gouging laws due to a lack of awareness. Regardless of intent, such practices harm vulnerable community members and are subject to legal consequences.

How to Report Hotel Price Gouging in Los Angeles

If you or someone you know has experienced an increase in hotel prices during the recent wildfires in L.A., please get in touch with our firm so we can urge these businesses to cease such practices immediately. By sending a formal letter to the hotel directly, we can explain to them their responsibilities under California's price gouging laws. This will allow us to protect the rights of those impacted by such a horrific loss.

Our goal is to raise awareness about these exploitative actions and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. By working together, we can ensure that no one in our community faces additional hardship during such a difficult time.

Please keep in mind that although these letters may not lead to the immediate results we were looking for, they hold businesses accountable and, most importantly, discourage similar practices in the future. By addressing hotel price gouging in Los Angeles, we ensure that those already suffering from the devastation of the wildfires are not subject to unethical practices.

Our law firm is dedicated to supporting the people of Los Angeles during these difficult times. We understand the struggles many victims are currently facing and want to be a reliable resource for those who have been impacted by the wildfires. As part of this resilient community, we're here to support you and your families, working to restore justice back into the lives of our friends and neighbors.

We're Here to Help

As a community, it's important to stand against unfair practices like hotel price gouging and prevent businesses from taking advantage of those in need. If you've experienced hotel price hikes during LA fires or know of businesses engaging in this activity, please let us know as soon as possible.

Contact Yepremyan Law Firm today, and let us fight back against these unlawful practices that can cause further turmoil. Let's hold businesses accountable and ensure that no one in our community faces exploitation during their time of need.

With 24/7 support, our law firm in North Hollywood offers free case evaluations to those needing immediate assistance. Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney in Los Angeles—together, we can create meaningful change.

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