Jay Gilberg lost his Pacific Palisades home, purchased in June to unite his family, in the Palisades Fire, one of 5,000 structures damaged or destroyed. Searching for a temporary home for his family of five, Gilberg was stunned by a sudden rental spike, with one Beverly Hills listing jumping 29% overnight. “Some people want to help, while others exploit,” he said.
The Los Angeles Tenants Union found over 500 listings with drastic rent increases, some doubling. Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order banning price hikes over 10% during emergencies. Yet, advocates warn even a 10% rise is unaffordable for wildfire victims and struggling tenants.
Attorney General Rob Bonta has opened investigations into price gouging. “People need support, not exploitation,” he stated, urging the public to report evidence.
Among those displaced are Renee and Ed Weitzer, octogenarian Holocaust survivors who lost their Sunset Mesa home. Forced to flee with just essentials, they have been living in a hotel. Competing with other renters, they offered $14,000 monthly for a home listed at $8,000 but were outbid. Now, they plan to move into a nephew’s one-bedroom apartment.
“It’s going to take years to rebuild,” said Renee, doubting it’s feasible at their age.
Real estate agent Lori Goldsmith criticized landlords capitalizing on tragedy, saying, “These people lost everything.” Local officials vowed to protect residents from predatory practices as families struggle to recover.
Also read: Los Angeles Wildfires: Threat Persists Despite Brief Respite
