If rents are rising in Southern California, it could be due to a wildfire in January, according to a new report.
In May, Southern Californians saw an average rent hike of 5.1%, well above the national average of 3.8%, comment columnist Jonathan Lancener in the Los Angeles Daily News added that it was “the widest spread since February 2019.”
But in December, the role was reversed, with high rent inflation in Southern California. So what has changed?
In January, fires in Altadena, Pallisad in the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere destroyed more than 12,000 structures.
“It’s hard to ignore this twist,” says Runner, who adds that although not Southern California, wage increases and large housing stock nationwide could also be a factor.
There are also differences within Southern California.
Rental increases have been flat in Los Angeles and Orange counties up until now this year, but in the Inland Empire and San Diego, rent increases in 2025 surpassed in 2024.
“Perhaps the demand for rentals has moved inland and south,” Runner said.
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