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Displaced by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, Victims Now Face Predatory Landlords

The devastating effects of the Eaton and Palisades fires have left countless individuals grappling with profound losses, including their homes, belongings, and, in some tragic cases, loved ones. Yet, for many survivors, the challenges did not end with the fires. Reports of landlords exploiting the crisis by engaging in price gouging have left these victims feeling victimized all over again.

Among those impacted is Totress Beasley, a Pasadena native who experienced a heartbreaking blow when her home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire—just one day after she had paid off her mortgage. “We evacuated not knowing our house was going to be on fire, but came back to ruins. It’s gone,” the 64-year-old shared with KTLA’s Chris Wolfe. “We’re in this circumstance with so many other people, victims of the fire.”

Now, Beasley and her son, Aaron Miller, are navigating a new and frustrating battle: finding affordable housing in a market plagued by predatory landlords. Despite the hardship of losing her home, Beasley remains determined to find a solution, but she’s encountering shocking rental prices that are far beyond reach. “I’ve been quoted maybe $5,000 [a month] for a one-bedroom,” she explained. “Some of my friends have talked to people, and they said $6,000 plus. One girl told me someone was charging $8,000.”

Beasley is not alone. Many fire survivors have reported similar encounters with landlords taking advantage of the increased demand for housing. “I’m just going to keep looking until I find a landlord who cares more about humanity and less about their pocketbook,” Beasley said.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the issue head-on during a recent press conference, condemning landlords who are attempting to profit from the misfortune of wildfire victims. “The price gouging is particularly despicable because these are people who are looking at this situation and asking how they can make the most amount of money from people desperately seeking housing, supplies, and services because they’ve lost everything,” Hochman said.

Hochman highlighted cases where landlords have raised rental prices by as much as 100%, 200%, and even 300% during this time of crisis. Under the current state of emergency in L.A. County, it is illegal for landlords to raise rents by more than 10% above previously advertised rates. Yet housing advocates report that some landlords are flagrantly ignoring this law, with one egregious example involving a Santa Monica property jumping from $12,750 a month to an outrageous $28,000.

Gray areas, however, make enforcement tricky. Bidding wars, for instance, occur when renters themselves offer more than 10% above the advertised rate. These situations can fall outside the legal definition of price gouging.

“Of course people are trying to take advantage,” said Miller, frustrated by the outrageous prices he and his mother are encountering. “They use terms like, ‘We’re going to work with you,’ but then it’s $5,000, $6,000 a month for a one-bedroom, tiny, 800-square-foot apartment where you’re going to end up sleeping on the floor.”

Hochman has made it clear that the county will enforce criminal and civil penalties against landlords engaging in price gouging. “Here again is my warning: If you’re one of those people who has engaged in price gouging, not only do you need to stop it immediately, I would strongly recommend that you go back and fix it… go back and refund the amount you have overcharged people,” Hochman stated. “We will certainly take that into consideration in deciding whether to charge you. So, if you want to abide by the law, you could benefit from it right this second.”

For victims like Beasley and others navigating this complex and disheartening housing crisis, support is essential. An experienced Eaton Fire Lawsuit Attorney can play a crucial role in holding exploitative landlords accountable, helping fire survivors secure the justice and financial relief they deserve during this challenging time.

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