C
alifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed charges against a Southern California real estate agent for allegedly taking advantage of families displaced by the Pacific Palisades Fire. The agent is accused of violating California's price gouging law, which limits price increases to 10% during a declared state of emergency.
The investigation found that the agent raised rental prices by over 30% after the emergency order was issued, including for tenants who had signed leases. This violation of Penal Code section 396 carries a potential penalty of up to 12 months in county jail and a $10,000 fine.
Bonta emphasized that profiting from Californians' pain through price gouging is illegal and urged tenants to report suspected price gouging to local authorities or his office. California's price gouging law prohibits charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices for essential goods and services, including rental housing, food, emergency supplies, and gasoline.
Violators face criminal penalties, including up to one year in jail and fines up to $10,000, as well as civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation. Bonta's office has sent over 750 warning letters to hotels and landlords accused of price gouging following recent Southern California wildfires.
Californians suspecting price gouging are encouraged to report incidents at oag.ca.gov/LAfires or by calling (800) 952-5225, providing screenshots, price histories, and contact details of the involved parties.
