LA lawmakers threaten landlords with fines as high as $50K in rent-gouging crackdown

After the January 2025 wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles County, thousands of renters were displaced — and many faced sharply increased rental rates. Some landlords raised rents by more than 50% in affected areas. (New York Post)
Under California law during a declared emergency, landlords are prohibited from raising rents by more than 10% over what was being charged previously. Violations can result in fines (formerly up to $10,000) or even jail time. (Los Angeles Times)
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to increase the maximum civil penalty for price gouging from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation. This is part of broader efforts to protect residents in crisis and deter predatory pricing. (Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath)
The county is also looking into enforcement mechanisms including:
- Increased monitoring of online rental platforms.
- Investigating the use of algorithmic pricing tools (software that recommends rent prices) for potentially facilitating or worsening gouging. (New York Post)
- Public outreach so renters know their rights, and easier ways for them to report abuses. (Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath)
It’s not just about higher fines, but getting real enforcement. Tenant advocates have pointed out that although many cases are reported, few have resulted in charges. There’s concern that without follow-through, strong laws won’t help. (Los Angeles Times)