L
OS ANGELES - A Southern California real estate agent and landlord face charges for price gouging a victim who evacuated from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, officials announced. The Attorney General's office says the victim filed a complaint after being quoted a 36% higher rental price for a Hermosa Beach home following an Emergency Order issued by the state.

    Penal Code section 396 prohibits sellers from charging more than 10% above the original price during a state of emergency or exceeding 50% for items sold after the declaration. This applies to various goods and services, including hotel accommodations and rental housing, with exceptions only if labor, goods, or materials costs have increased.

    The charge carries a potential penalty of up to $10,000 in fines and 12 months in jail. The California Attorney General's Office has sent over 700 warning letters to hotels and landlords accused of price gouging and is investigating several other cases. The public can report price gouging by visiting oag.ca.gov/report or calling (800) 952-5225.

    To report price gouging, the public should include screenshots of correspondence, prices offered, and contact information for realtors, listing agents, or business owners. This information will help authorities find and contact the business or landlord.