Callifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta says his office has kept its promise as three alleged price gougers are facing charges for “taking advantage” of Los Angeles wildfire victims.
In an appearance on the KTLA Morning News on Friday, Bonta said his office is receiving many reports of illegal price gouging.
California law prohibits rent increases of more than 10% during State of Emergency proclamations. Los Angeles County has been in State of Emergency since Jan. 8.
The Palisades and Eaton fires collectively burned nearly 40,000 acres and destroyed several thousands of structures last month. As an immense amount of people lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas, Bonta and other state officials made it a priority to prevent further strains on the L.A. housing crisis.
“It’s so important that we wrap our arms around our victims and support them, help them rebuild and heal,” Bonta told KTLA. “And ensure that they’re not exploited and victimized again.”
He said that, as of Friday, three people have been formally charged by his office for increasing rent by more than 10% in L.A. County since the fires erupted.
In one case announced by his office on Tuesday, a landlord raised rent on a Hermosa Beach home by 36% after an Eaton Fire victim tried to rent it. If convicted, the landlord could face a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.
“The cases are moving along,” Bonta said on Friday. “We’ve charged them, we’ve brought them, we’ve announced them.”
In addition to the formal charges, the Department of Justice has sent out more than 700 warning letters to hotels and landlords accused of price gouging. More investigations that could lead to charges are underway.
Callifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta says his office has kept its promise as three alleged price gougers are facing charges for “taking advantage” of Los Angeles wildfire victims. In an appearance on the KTLA Morning News on Friday, Bonta said his office is receiving many reports of illegal price gouging. California law prohibits rent increases […]
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