Mayor Bass Orders Quick Rebuild Asap

Finally, some common sense by policy makers. Mayor Bass has approved fast-tracking rebuilding due to the wildfires.

https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-issues-sweeping-executive-order-clear-way-angelenos-rebuild-their-homes-fast

Price Gouging is Illegal and You are Doing So at a Huge Risk

While the demand for rental housing is rising and soon more buyers will be on the market, there have been many emergency laws put in place in regards to price gouging. This is a serious crime that can land the homeowner in jail. Talk to an attorney if you are considering raising the price more than 10% from the price it was pre-disaster.

Video on Price Gouging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvt3mwflfbc

Some tips:

-Ensure that any rent increases do not exceed 10% of the previous rent or the advertised rent before the state of emergency. For new rentals, the price should not exceed 160% of the fair market value established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. You can find the HUD fair market rents limits for each zip code HERE.

-If demand pushes up the price on a lease, it is important to remember that these statutory requirements still apply. A good rule of thumb is to just choose the best qualified applicant. If you choose to accept an amount above the statutory limits, this is highly not advised, and you should consult an attorney as you still could be in violation of housing laws.

Wildfire Resources Now and Ongoing

The scale of the wildfires is such that everyone in LA seems to know at least one person affected by the devastation of the week, which is still very much in effect with no end in near sight. It's such a chaotic, sad and stressful time for all. For those of you in need of help, here are some resources below:

Temporary Free Week of Airbnb 

https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires/

Fire Recovery Support

https://outsmartdisaster.calosba.ca.gov/support-and-resources-for-los-angeles-area-wildfire-recovery/

https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=1014-resources-to-support-those-during-the-l-a-fires

Community Dogsitting Assistance

https://www.caninerescue.club/sitting

Free Food for Evacuees

https://www.instagram.com/p/DElNxW9Jk18/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&img_index=1

Apply for Aid Through FEMA

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4856

How you can help:

Donate to Wildfire Recovery Fund

https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/

Donate to the Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/about-us/our-work/california-wildfires-response-january-2025.html

Donate to the California Fire Foundation

https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.htmlCalifornia Fire Foundation