By Barry Lank/The Eastsider
Originally published Jan. 23, 2025
Price-gouging complaints, mainly for housing, have surfaced on the Eastside in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Officials from Council Districts 13 – which covers an area from Hollywood to Echo Park – and 14 – which stretches from Eagle Rock to Boyle Heights – said their offices have received reports of excessive price increases for numerous items and services, officials said.
“We have received a number of reports of price gouging from housing to utilities,” said Milagros Montalvo, spokesperson for District 14 Councilmember Ysabel Jurado.
L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed price hikes of 100% to 300% for rental rooms and housing across the county.
State law prohibits selling goods or services at more than 10% above pre-emergency prices, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. State officials are investigating multiple cases.
In response, Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez of Council District 1 and Hugo Soto-Martinez of Council District 13 proposed a motion to track and prosecute price-gouging cases.
Additionally, the City Council is working on an ordinance to include housing and lodging under municipal price-gouging protections.
Residents of the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to report price gouging to 311. Residents of unincorporated East Los Angeles can file complaints with L.A. County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
