Call Us
Safeguarding Tenants in Los Angeles After Wildfires
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have left many residents displaced and scrambling to find housing. Unfortunately, while families struggle to rebuild their lives, some landlords exploit the crisis by illegally raising rents. This unethical practice, known as rent gouging, is not only wrong but also prohibited under California law during a declared state of emergency.
At Yepremyan Law Firm, we want to help tenants impacted by unlawful rent increases during this difficult time. If you or someone you know has been a victim of rent price gouging, it's essential to know your rights and how to take action.
What Is Rent Gouging?
Rent gouging occurs when landlords take advantage of emergencies by significantly raising rent prices, often beyond what is reasonable or legally allowed. Under California law, landlords cannot increase rents by more than 10% during a state of emergency. This includes rent increases on residential properties, even for month-to-month leases or newly vacant units.
These laws are designed to protect vulnerable tenants during crises, such as wildfires, when housing becomes scarce and individuals are at risk of homelessness. If a landlord increases rent far above standard rates for the area, this is considered rent gouging.
Rent gouging laws are clear: landlords must prioritize fairness over profit, especially during emergencies. Unfortunately, reports of rent gouging in Los Angeles during the recent wildfires suggest that not all property owners abide by these rules.
How to Protect Your Community and Your Rights
If you suspect that your landlord has been illegally raising prices, here's what you can do:
- Document Everything
Keep records of your lease agreement, rent payment history, and any communications from your landlord, including emails or notices. - Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with California's rent gouging laws. These laws prohibit landlords from increasing rent by more than 10% during emergencies and apply to all rental properties, including single-family homes and apartments. - File a Complaint
Report it to local authorities, such as the Los Angeles Housing Department or the California Attorney General's office. These agencies investigate complaints and enforce penalties against landlords who violate the law. - Seek Legal Support
If you've been affected by this unethical act, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you explore your legal options. A rent gouging lawsuit can hold landlords accountable and potentially recover damages for affected tenants.
By sending a letter, a legal professional can advocate for tenants facing rent gouging during a wildfire. An experienced attorney can send a formal letter to the landlord outlining how their actions violate California's rent gouging laws. This letter will serve as a legal warning, urging the landlord to cease illegal rent increases immediately. In addition, it will inform them of the potential consequences, including a lawsuit, if they fail to comply. This kind of action is taken not only to protect the tenant's rights but also to hold landlords accountable, which will help prevent further exploitation.
Rent gouging laws exist to protect vulnerable victims during emergencies, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. The violations of this law can cause significant harm, especially to wildfire victims already facing the loss of their homes and, quite frankly, everything that was important to them.
Furthermore, when landlords raise prices illegally, they directly contribute to the housing crisis and worsen the financial strain on vulnerable families. Whether this is done intentionally or not, these violations must be addressed and stopped immediately. And it's not just about holding individual landlords accountable—it's about looking out for the collective well-being of our community.
Law Firms in Los Angeles Are Ready to Help
The recent wildfires across L.A. have tested the resilience of our community, but no one should face exploitation during their time of need. If you've been impacted by rent gouging in LA, Yepremyan Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team can guide you through addressing illegal rent increases and ensure your rights as a tenant are upheld.
With 24/7 support, our law firm in North Hollywood offers free case evaluations to provide support for victims in need of legal guidance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a trusted attorney in Los Angeles.
*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.
