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os Angeles property mogul Jason Oppenheim claims landlords are exploiting the city's wildfires by illegally raising prices. As a star of Netflix reality show Selling Sunset, Oppenheim owns a luxury real estate brokerage that has been offering free services to those affected by the disaster. He revealed one client was asked for thousands more than the original asking price to rent a home, despite California's anti-price gouging laws.

    Oppenheim described sending a client to visit a property where the landlord had previously demanded $13,000 per month in rent. However, after being offered $20,000 and agreeing to pay six months upfront, the landlord still insisted on $23,000. Oppenheim condemned this behavior, stating that it's "not the time to be taking advantage of situations."

    California authorities have warned businesses against price gouging, with Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasizing that it's a crime punishable by up to a year in jail and fines. Retiree Brian, who lost his rent-controlled apartment in the Pacific Palisades, is struggling to find a new home due to sky-high rents. The median rent for properties in LA has doubled over the last decade, standing at $2,800 per month.

    LA officials have vowed to prosecute those taking advantage of wildfire victims through scams or burglary. The county sheriff has made 29 arrests so far, including a man posing as a firefighter to burgle a home. Despite this malfeasance, LA mayor Karen Bass reported that over $6m has been donated to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund since the fires began on Tuesday.