California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has sent more than 200 letters to landlords and hotels warning them they are accused of wildfire-related price gouging, his office announced Friday.
“The price gouging we are seeing and hearing needs to stop now,” Bonta said in the release. “These letters are just one of the many tools my office is using to stop this illegal activity. I hope this is a declaration that it will never stop.”
Online listings show the landlord has raised the rent by more than 50% from the posted rent before last week’s fire, far exceeding the 10% increase allowed by law. Activist groups compiled a spreadsheet of suspected violators and pressured authorities to take action.
This letter notifies the recipient that they are the subject of a price gouging complaint and informs them of the provisions of the law and the penalties for non-compliance. In addition to the letter, Bonta noted that his office is conducting an active criminal investigation into price gouging.
Also Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning evictions for tenants who protect one or more people displaced by wildfires, even if they violate their lease agreements.
“Opening your home to shelter those in need is not only encouraged and generous, but deserves to be protected,” Newsom said in the release.
Newsom’s order is in effect until March 8.
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