
In response to the recent Palisades and Eaton Fires, price gouging protections are now in effect in Los Angeles County, including in Culver City. These protections limit price increases on goods and services, including rental housing, hotel and motel rooms, short-term rentals, storage facilities, and businesses, to no more than 10 percent in most cases.
The price of rental housing that was not rented or advertised for rent prior to the declaration of emergency cannot exceed 160% of the fair market value of the rental housing as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Price gouging protections apply for 30 days following the declared state of emergency and may be renewed if necessary. Price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under California law (Penal Code Section 396).
Complaints can be filed with Los Angeles County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) through their online complaint system or by calling (800) 593-8222. Additionally, the State of California Attorney General’s Office is encouraging the public to immediately report price gouging by going to the Attorney General’s website or by calling (800) 952-5225.
For additional helpful resources, please see:
- CBA Price Gouging Information: L.A. County Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources
- California Attorney General’s Office: FAQs on Price Gouging
- California Office of Emergency Services: Active Price Gouging Restrictions
City of Culver City