Emergencies like wildfires or other natural disasters can make finding a rental home extra challenging, with issues like housing instability, price gouging, and scams popping up. Price gouging—when landlords unfairly hike up rent prices during a crisis—is illegal in many states, including California, where the recent Los Angeles fires have left many hunting for a rental and place to live.
At Realtor.com, we’re here to help renters navigate these tough situations by providing tools and information to make finding secure housing easier. Here’s what you need to know during the current state of emergency caused by the Los Angeles wildfires:
Know Your Tenant Rights
Even during emergencies, landlords must follow proper eviction procedures. In California, Governor Newsom’s executive order offers extra protections for tenants. For example, landlords can’t evict renters for temporarily sheltering people displaced by the LA-area wildfires, though landlords can still enforce rules related to criminal activity or property damage. These protections last until March 8, 2025.
For more on California’s emergency housing laws, visit the California Attorney General’s website. You can also find additional resources for those affected by the wildfires at Ca.gov/LAfires.
Know the Rules About Price Gouging
When a state of emergency is declared, specific laws come into play to protect consumers, including renters. Renters should take some time to learn their rights so they’re not caught off guard, and if you’re a landlord or property manager too, make sure you’re also familiar with those regulations. In California, for example, landlords cannot raise rents by more than 10%. These rules are in place to keep housing fair and accessible during crises.
If you spot a rental listing on Realtor.com that seems to violate price gouging laws, don’t hesitate to report it. You can easily flag or report a rental property directly on each rental listing on our platform or by contacting Realtor.com Customer Care at Rentalsupport@realtor.com.
Additionally, contact your state Attorney General’s office, or reach out to local authorities. California residents can easily report issues by visiting oag.ca.gov/LAfires or calling the Attorney General’s hotline at (800) 952-5225.
Watch Out for Rental Scams
Unfortunately, high-demand situations like this can also attract scammers. Stay sharp by keeping these tips in mind:
- Double-check that listings are legit before paying application fees or deposits.
- Never hand over money before you’ve seen the property in person.
- Be cautious of landlords asking for payments in cash or other untraceable methods.
For more tips on avoiding rental scams, check out Realtor.com’s resources on rental fraud.
If you encounter a scam, report it to local law enforcement. You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov, or the Federal Trade Commission.
We’re committed to supporting renters and being a trusted rental marketplace. By staying informed and taking action, you can protect yourself from price gouging and scams while securing fair, safe housing.
