Housing & Grants

Please be advised, the City is aware of complaints and concerns regarding price gouging, specifically rental rate gouging, since the ongoing natural disasters began Tuesday, January 7, 2025, within the region. The Governor’s January 7, 2025 Emergency Declaration makes it unlawful, under Penal Code section 396,  for any  property owner/agent to unlawfully raise rents more than 10% above prices advertised before the declaration. Penal Code section 396 applies to all rental properties with an initial term of no longer than one year, without exception.  Any violation of Penal Code section 396 is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in county jail for a period not exceeding one year, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both fine and imprisonment.
 
On January 13, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles issued a new declaration extending price gouging protections on rental housing until February 27, 2026. Any such excessive increases remain illegal and should be reported to the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Burbank Police Department. The City Attorney’s Office is prepared to prosecute any such crimes and hold violators accountable.
 
Should you believe price gouging is occurring, please retain receipts, invoices, and/or any other records detailing the incident. For additional information, see FAQ’s at LA County Consumer & Business Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office.