The recent wildfires that ravaged over 40,000 acres in the Los Angeles area have left thousands displaced, struggling to find new homes amidst skyrocketing rental prices. The fires destroyed more than 12,300 structures, creating a housing crisis in an already strained market. As displaced residents search for shelter, some landlords have exploited the situation, raising rents beyond the limits set by Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency declaration.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, many displaced residents face significant hurdles in securing new accommodations. Ashley and Tim Polmateer, a couple whose home was consumed by the blaze, are among those struggling. Despite scouring online listings and visiting multiple properties, they have yet to find a suitable place to live.
Joe Thompson shares a similar plight. After the wildfire destroyed his home, he was forced into an intense search for housing. He discovered a five-bedroom home in Santa Monica priced at $28,000 per month—more than double its previous year's rent. Thompson expressed his frustration at the competitive rental market, where those in need must outbid each other for a place to stay.
"They're in a state of uncertainty, where they don't know even how long they need a place, and they're being forced to outbid each other and give the best possible terms to a landlord. It's insane." – Thompson
The rent hikes severely impact displaced residents' ability to find affordable housing. A four-bedroom home in Topanga saw its rent soar by 24% to $14,300, while a three-bedroom property with views of the iconic Hollywood sign increased by 45%, reaching $14,500. These price surges far exceed the 10% cap stipulated by state law during emergencies.
The Los Angeles Tenants Union has received numerous reports of such price gouging, with some homeowners and property managers exploiting the high demand for short-term rentals. An NBC News investigation revealed several instances where rents rose unlawfully beyond the emergency declaration limit.
"This is absolutely unacceptable and illegal to do in the face of this horrible tragedy." – state Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
The city's housing shortage predates the wildfires, amplifying the challenges faced by those seeking new homes. With Los Angeles already grappling with one of the nation's most severe housing and homelessness crises, many residents find it nearly impossible to locate comparable housing to what they lost.
"L.A. was already home to one of the worst housing and homelessness crises," – Rosales
"And so then, in the wake of this tragedy, these horrible fires, it looks like it's just going to get worse." – Rosales
The crisis has prompted some residents to take a stand against landlords who exploit the situation. Mann, another displaced resident, avoids listings from landlords who raised prices post-wildfire, stating:
"When I am looking through Zillow, if I see someone raised the price, I crossed them off the list," – Mann
"because I don't want that person to be my landlord." – Mann
Efforts to alleviate the crisis are underway. Airbnb.org collaborates with 211 LA, a local nonprofit organization, to offer free temporary housing to wildfire victims. This partnership provides a crucial lifeline for those struggling to secure permanent accommodations amidst soaring prices.
The city's pre-existing housing shortage exacerbates the situation for displaced homeowners now thrust into an unfamiliar rental market. Brock Harris notes that many long-term homeowners will face an unpleasant education on the harsh realities of Los Angeles's housing crisis.
"A bunch of these homeowners who may have been in their home for 10, 20 or 30 years and haven't experienced the rental market for decades — they're going to get a crash course in the housing shortage, and it's not pretty." – Brock Harris