February 24th, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, amid nearly 1,900 ongoing price gouging investigations tied to the 2025 wildfires, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion led by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to continue housing price gouging protections through March 29, 2026.

“Wildfire survivors remain displaced and in temporary housing one year after last year’s devastating wildfires,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “The need to protect our communities from price gouging remains, and so does LA County’s commitment to continuing these essential protections. Fire survivors deserve to rebuild without facing unlawful, excessive increases on rent, building materials, and more related to our recovery efforts. I urge anyone who suspects price gouging is occurring to report it to our dedicated team in the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at dcba.lacounty.gov/pricegouging or (800) 593-8222.”

DCBA is currently investigating 1,885 price gouging cases and has issued more than 2,000 cease-and-desist orders, securing $335,000 in restitution for impacted tenants. Over 260 cases have been referred to law enforcement for possible civil or criminal prosecution. Countywide investigations have also addressed unlawful price increases on essential goods, including air purifiers sold during the emergency.

A report from the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) further demonstrated the need to continue these safeguards. The report details ongoing complaints, active investigations, enforcement outcomes, and sustained rental pressures — reinforcing that price gouging remains a present and documented concern.

The Department of Angels’ most recent survey similarly confirms that a majority of survivors in Pacific Palisades and Altadena remain in temporary housing, with continued concerns about long-term affordability and financial strain.

Read the full motion here.

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