
As Southern California battles devastating wildfires, some landlords are facing backlash for price gouging, while 'Selling Sunset' star criticizing this practice and offering a lifeline to those affected.
- Jan 13, 2025
AceShowbiz - As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, causing unimaginable destruction and displacing thousands, a new concern has emerged: landlords taking advantage of the tragedy through illegal price gouging. Celebrity realtor Jason Oppenheim has criticized this unethical practice, highlighting the plight of his clients and calling for more rigorous enforcement of the laws that prohibit such actions.
The "Selling Sunset" star and head of The Oppenheim Group narrated an egregious example of this exploitation during an appearance on BBC. "I had a client. We sent him to a house that was asking $13,000 a month. He offered $20,000 a month, and he offered to pay six months upfront. And the landlord said, 'No, I want $23,000 a month,' " Oppenheim said.
"There are price gouging laws in California, they're just being ignored right now, and this isn't the time to be taking advantage of situations, and it's also illegal to take advantage of a natural disaster," he lamented.
California law explicitly prohibits rental price increases of more than 10% during a declared state of emergency, a fact Oppenheim highlighted in multiple interviews.
The reality of the situation is stark. Fires have ravaged more than 40,000 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures, and left communities like the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in ruins. As of the latest reports, at least 16 individuals have lost their lives, over 100,000 have been evacuated, and numerous missing persons reports have been filed.
In response, President Joe Biden declared the fires a major disaster, providing federal aid and assuring Southern California residents of the government's support.
Yet, amid this devastation, real estate professionals are stepping up to help those in need. Oppenheim's agency has taken commendable steps to support the victims, offering their services free of charge to those displaced by the fires.
"If you've lost your home in the Los Angeles fires and you need to find a place to rent until your home is rebuilt, all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you for free or credit you back any commission we receive in the transaction," Oppenheim announced on Instagram. He also urged fellow realtors to follow suit, emphasizing the industry's obligation to aid the affected communities.
The emotional toll of the fires is palpable, with Oppenheim noting, "I can't even put words to it. I never could have imagined that this would have happened here. Forget about the $50 to $100 billion of damage that's caused, it's emotional for everyone. I mean, I think everyone just has tears in their eyes all day long, not literally from the smoke, but also just because it's emotional to see people struggling like this."
In these trying times, the resilience of the impacted communities shines through. As Oppenheim aptly concluded, "We are so resilient. We'll rebuild better and with stronger foundations."
The collective efforts of real estate agents, government authorities, and community members provide a glimmer of hope amid the smoke and ash, reaffirming that even in the darkest times, there is light.