• Jason Oppenheim, star of Netflix's "Selling Sunset," has accused landlords in Los Angeles of illegal price gouging during ongoing fires.
• The devastating fires have resulted in at least 24 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes.
• California's price gouging laws prohibit rental increases of over 10% after an emergency declaration, yet many landlords are reportedly violating this.
• Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted measures to penalize those engaging in price gouging during this crisis.
• Displaced residents are struggling to find affordable housing, with some rental prices reportedly spiking dramatically.

In light of the catastrophic fires ravaging Los Angeles, Jason Oppenheim, a prominent figure from Netflix’s "Selling Sunset," has publicly accused landlords of exploiting the crisis. In a recent interview with the BBC, he highlighted the concerning trend of illegal price gouging in the rental market, underscoring the need for increased scrutiny on landlord practices during such emergencies (Business Insider).

The devastating fires, which have persisted for nearly a week, have not only claimed at least 24 lives but also left thousands of structures, including homes, in ruins. The affected area has expanded to a size greater than that of Paris. Oppenheim illustrated the issue with a case where a client attempted to rent a property listed at $13,000 per month but faced a $23,000 demand despite offering $20,000 monthly plus six months upfront payment. He commented, “There are price-gouging laws in California that are just being ignored right now. This isn’t the time to be taking advantage of situations.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, which implements laws to combat price gouging for up to 180 days post-declaration. This law makes it illegal to increase rental prices by more than 10% in such times. On January 7, 2026, an executive order prohibiting price gouging in emergencies was signed, effectively allowing authorities to impose penalties including a year in jail or a fine up to $10,000 for violators regarding rental increases.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has also voiced his concern, confirming viewing instances where landlords have "jacked up the price." He emphasized that “it’s called price gouging. It is illegal. You cannot do it.” The increased demand for rental properties has left many displaced residents scrambling, pushing rental prices upwards, with some listings showcasing extreme increases — one in Bel Air reportedly rising by 86% amid the crisis.

Despite efforts to rein in the devastating fires, officials warn that forecasted dry winds could exacerbate the already dire situation. Affluent areas like Pacific Palisades have suffered significant damage, affecting even celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Milo Ventimiglia, who have all lost their homes in this catastrophic event. To view the full story, please click here: South China Morning Post.