In the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, residents like Maya Lieberman struggle to find affordable housing amid rampant price gouging. Over 150,000 people have been displaced, with opportunistic landlords raising rents significantly. Many evacuees, including those living in emergency shelters, face a harsh rental market where prices have nearly doubled in a decade. As they search for homes, the ongoing threat of wildfires looms large, forcing some to consider relocating to even more vulnerable areas.
Challenges of Finding Housing After Wildfires in Los Angeles
Days after escaping the devastating fires that swept through her neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Maya Lieberman is still grappling with the emotional aftermath. Compounding her distress is the challenge of securing housing amidst a market rife with unscrupulous landlords. “The prices are outrageous,” the 50-year-old stylist shares with AFP, her sunglasses shielding her eyes. “It’s unbelievable; I can’t find anywhere to go.”
The recent series of wildfires devastating the outskirts of Los Angeles have driven over 150,000 residents from their homes. Pacific Palisades, known for its affluent residents including celebrities, has become a focal point of this catastrophe, drawing both sympathy and opportunism from various quarters. Many landlords are seizing the chance to profit from the crisis.
Exploiting Fire Victims: A Growing Concern
“It’s absolutely outrageous,” Maya continues. “We applied for a rental in Venice listed at $17,000 per month, but they told us it would take $30,000 to secure it.” She recounts being informed that there were potential renters ready to outbid her with cash offers. Currently residing in a hotel with a pool near Santa Monica beach, Maya, whose home was fortuitously untouched by the flames, remains acutely aware of her relative privilege amidst the disaster.
Despite this, her conscience weighs heavy for the many evacuees who find themselves in dire situations. “With the current market conditions, many people will struggle to find housing,” she expresses concern. Alex Smith, a television producer also forced to evacuate, shares her frustration, noting that friends who sought refuge at a hotel outside Los Angeles encountered inflated rates upon arrival.
In California, where climate change intensifies the threat of wildfires, the exploitation of victims is an unfortunate reality. Recently, the state attorney general reiterated that price gouging is a serious offense that can result in a year-long prison sentence and hefty fines. Rental platforms have been warned to comply with the law, especially during states of emergency when price hikes are capped at 10% for a limited time. Given the extensive damage, a decree was signed to extend this limitation until January 2026.
Amidst the wealthy elite, Maya points out that many ordinary tenants also call Pacific Palisades home. “The neighborhood doesn’t fit the stereotypes people often have.” A visit to an emergency shelter nearby reveals the stark reality of the situation. In the parking lot, Brian, a retiree, has been sleeping in his old gray sedan since the fires began, wrapped in a Red Cross blanket.
Having lived in a rent-controlled studio in Pacific Palisades for two decades, Brian’s life was upended when his building was destroyed. “Sleeping in my car was amusing when I was younger, but at my age, it’s quite a struggle,” reflects the 69-year-old former municipal employee. As the initial shock subsides, he faces the daunting task of apartment hunting with mounting anxiety, especially considering that rental prices in Los Angeles have nearly doubled over the past decade.
“Now I’m competing with thousands of others in the market. That doesn’t sound promising,” he laments. To find something within his budget, he anticipates that he may have to relocate further inland to areas like Sherman Oaks or Studio City, which are even more vulnerable to wildfire threats than his previous coastal home. Just recently, a fire in Studio City sparked panic before being swiftly contained. “What other option do I have?” Brian concludes. “I have to figure things out on my own.”