February 11th, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an increase in the maximum civil penalty for price gouging to $50,000 per violation, reinforcing the County’s commitment to protecting renters and consumers from exploitative practices during times of crisis. The increased penalty is now in effect countywide. This measure comes in response to widespread reports of rental price gouging and overpricing of essential goods following the January 2025 Los Angeles County Fires.

“When disaster strikes, no one should have to worry about being taken advantage of by price gouging,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “The Board’s action today strengthens protections for renters and small business owners throughout the County, ensuring that the consequences for illegal price hikes match the harm they cause. We are making it clear: Los Angeles County will hold bad actors accountable and stand up for our communities in times of crisis.”

“Rental housing prices have skyrocketed because opportunists are preying on wildfire survivors when they are most vulnerable,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Price gouging is illegal and enforcement can be difficult, but I’m hopeful that increasing fines to the tune of $50,000 will stop this criminal activity in its tracks. Partnering with online rental platforms and applications to increase users’ awareness of price gouging laws will bring greater awareness and protect consumers. Accessible and affordable housing should not be a casualty of these wildfire disasters.”

The Board’s resolution includes the following key provisions: 

• Ratifies the local emergency declared on January 7, 2025, enabling the County to access state and federal assistance, expedite resource procurement, and enhance its response to the crisis.
• Temporarily increases the maximum civil penalty for violations of Chapter 8.09 of the County Code from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation during the Local Emergency for the January 2025 Windstorm and Critical Fire Events.

• Reinforces enforcement measures against rental price gouging and overpricing of essential goods and services in impacted communities.
• Directs County departments to continue outreach efforts, ensuring residents and business owners are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the strengthened consumer protection measures.

How Residents Can Report Price Gouging: 

• Victims of price gouging, including renters facing excessive rent hikes, should report violations to the California Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report or contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222, or visit stoppricegouging.dcba.lacounty.gov for assistance.

For more information on Los Angeles County’s emergency response efforts, visit recovery.lacounty.gov. To receive updates on consumer protection measures and other County resources, sign up for the Third District newsletter at lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov.

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