Increased Penalties for Price Gouging in Los Angeles County
In response to recent incidents of price gouging, especially during the ongoing state of emergency due to wildfires, Los Angeles County has taken bold action to protect consumers. On February 4th, 2025, Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Chair Kathryn Barger introduced a motion to significantly enhance penalties for price gouging and strengthen enforcement measures.
Under the new provisions,the maximum penalty for price gouging has been increased to $50,000. This move aims to deter unscrupulous business practices and ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of during emergencies. The county Counsel has also been authorized to consider initiating or joining existing litigation against price gouging and price-fixing algorithms used by housing websites.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell described the rent-fixing algorithms as predatory, likening them to historic red-lining practices that discriminated against minorities. The motion also includes a directive for the county CEO to draft a letter requesting major housing websites, such as Redfin, Zillow, Apartments.com, AirBnB, and VRBO, to post a banner on their websites about the county’s state of emergency and price-gouging laws.these measures will remain in affect for the duration of the local emergency, ensuring that consumers are protected from exploitative practices during this challenging time. The County’s actions underscore its commitment to fairness and openness in the housing market and broader economy.
For more information, visit:
- Los Angeles County Price Gouging Laws
- Supervisor Horvath’s Price Gouging Protections
- Mercury News Article on Rent gouging Penalties
interview with Supervisor Holly Mitchell on Enhanced Price Gouging Protections
Table of Contents
Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a groundbreaking motion aimed at strengthening measures against price gouging. The new provisions, proposed by Supervisor Holly Mitchell, feature increased penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Price Gouging Laws or [Supervisor Horvath’s Price gouging Protections](https://lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov/price-gouging-protections/).
Editor’s Interview with Supervisor Holly Mitchell
Editor: Supervisor Mitchell,can you tell us more about the recent motion on enhanced price gouging protections?
Supervisor Holly Mitchell: absolutely. We recently passed a motion to substantially enhance penalties for price gouging. We increased the maximum penalty to $50,000, which aims to deter unscrupulous business practices and ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of, especially during emergencies.
Editor: How will these new provisions help combat predatory practices in the housing market?
Supervisor Holly Mitchell: We have also authorized the County Counsel to consider initiating or joining existing litigation against price gouging and price-fixing algorithms used by housing websites. I described these rent-fixing algorithms as predatory, likening them to historic red-lining practices that discriminated against minorities.
Editor: What steps are being taken to raise awareness about these new regulations?
Supervisor Holly Mitchell: The motion includes a directive for the County CEO to draft a letter requesting major housing websites,such as Redfin,Zillow,Apartments.com, AirBnB, and VRBO, to post a banner on their websites about the County’s state of emergency and price gouging laws.
Editor: How long will these measures be in affect?
Supervisor Holly Mitchell: These measures will remain in effect for the duration of the local emergency. This ensures that consumers are protected from exploitative practices during this challenging time.
Editor: What does this action say about the County’s broader commitment to fairness and openness in the housing market?
Supervisor Holly Mitchell: These actions underscore our commitment to fairness and openness in the housing market and broader economy. We want to make sure that everyone has a fair shot at finding affordable housing without the fear of being exploited.
Editor: Thank you, Supervisor Mitchell, for your detailed insights.
For more information, you can visit the following resources:
- Los Angeles County Price Gouging Laws
- Supervisor Horvath’s Price Gouging Protections
- Mercury News Article on rent Gouging Penalties
Conclusion
The recent enhancements in price gouging protections in Los Angeles County reflect a strong commitment to consumer protection and housing fairness. With significant penalties for violators and legal actions against predatory practices, the County is sending a clear message that exploitation during emergencies will not be tolerated.
