TROUBLE WITH HOUSING?

If you’re having a hard time finding a place to stay, you’re not doing anything wrong.
You have rights that protect you from unfair pricing, especially during a State of Emergency.

DECLARED EMERGENCIES

WHAT INCREASES MAY BE ILLEGAL

  • California’s Penal Code 396 limits rent increases during a declared emergency.
    These protections stay in place until January 7, 2026.

    If you see a price that feels too high, you may be right to question it.


  • If any of these type of rentals is more than 10% higher than what it cost before the fires, the increase may be illegal:

    • Apartments and houses

    • Condos

    • Short-term rentals like Airbnbs and hotels

    • Extra fees (cleaning charges or utilities)


TIP:

You may be able to ask for the rent to be lowered and, in some cases, refunded.