Landlords in fire-stricken Los Angeles are jacking rents in violation of California law as thousands of residents seek shelter due to multiple fires burning in the area.
A search of local listings by several outlets reveal several landlords who have raised prices by as much as 124%, flouting a state law that prohibits rent hikes in excess of 10% after a state of emergency has been declared.
California’s state of emergency, declared by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, bans price gouging for a range of goods and services, including rental housing. That means any rent increase above 10 percent since the start of the state of emergency is illegal for the duration of the crisis.
But since Tuesday, some landlords and their agents have raised prices by more than what California law allows. These price increases come as hundreds, if not thousands, of displaced Los Angeles residents search for interim housing while they figure out their next steps, worsening an already tight rental housing market in the region. -NY Times
One five-bedroom rental in Santa Monica which listed for $12,500 in February 2024 was going for $28,000 per month, an increase of 124%, before it was pulled from the market on Sunday according to Inside Edition‘s Lisa Guerrero.
Clients of our friend were trying to lease a house while their home was being renovated. The lease was for $18,000 per month. They were to sign the papers the day of the fire. Now the people renting want $30,000.
The vultures are circling and the flames aren’t even out yet.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 11, 2025
Approximately 12,000 structures from Malibu to Pacific Palisades to Altadena have been destroyed in the ongoing fires.
LA real estate agent Samira Tapia told the NY Times that her review of more than 400 listings revealed nearly 100 properties which had rents raised beyond the 10% threshold – with one in North Hollywood jumping overnight from by $800, to $5,700 per month.
A furnished Bel Air home went on Zillow today for $29,500 / month. A few months ago, it was asking $15,900.
I called up the agent. She said she told her client to re-list the home after this week's L.A. fires.
"People are desperate," she said. "You can probably get good money." pic.twitter.com/PZJjzOeWRf
— David Wagner (@radiowagner) January 12, 2025
Another LA realtor, Laura Kate Jones, says she’s found rents for several properties in West LA which have spiked between 15% and 20% overnight, with one listing agent raising the rent by $3,000 mid-tour, she said.
According to this property’s history, it was listed at $12,000 last year. Yesterday it was listed at $28,000. Price gouging? What’s up Trulia?? www.trulia.com/home/1812-na…
— Lisa Guerrero (@lisaguerrero.bsky.social) 2025-01-11T23:32:13.519Z
“People are so panicked and desperate to get into a house right now that they’re just throwing money into the wind,” she told the NY Times. “People taking advantage of this. It’s horrendous.”
Chelsea Kirk, director of policy and advocacy at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, compiled a crowdsourced spreadsheet that includes addresses, Zillow links, dates of rent increases and exact pre- and post-hike prices.
Among the listings that stands out is a 9,615-square-foot Tudor mansion in Bel Air. The home was listed at $29,500 per months in December. But last week the listing reappeared with a new price — $39,000 per month. –NY Post
And according to Yahoo News, one small property – just 1,200 sqft. located in Woodland Hills which listed for $3,900 in November is now priced at $5,900.
California AG Rob Bonta has vowed to investigate violations and impose penalties on scumbag landlords, including fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment.
Congrats everyone!
The Price Gouging for Long Term Rentals in Los Angeles has resulted in a Licensee Advisory Notice sent by the DRE.
😵💫 pic.twitter.com/B9xvrOBtlP
— Ryan Danz (@RyanDanz) January 14, 2025
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
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It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
