LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors expressed support Tuesday for a state Assembly bill that would freeze rental rates in the county and establish a $10,000 penalty for price gouging until January 2026.
The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, is meant to address the fears of increased costs in the area since the January wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and displaced residents.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said with the county already dealing with a homelessness crisis, the issue is of utmost priority.
“Because of our housing crisis, we must do everything to keep people in their homes,” Horvath said, People who are temporarily without work don’t deserve additional punishment, they need our support.
Board Chair Kathryn Barger abstained from voting on the motion, saying she was concerned the motion would negatively impact homeowners.
She said the board was short-sighted in calling for a rental freeze without taking into consideration the additional costs being incurred by those who own rental properties.
Barger argued that existing laws against price gouging were already helping protect rental rights.
Also Tuesday, the board directed the Office of County Counsel to draft a resolution to increase the penalty for price gouging to a maximum of $50,000 per violation.
The resolution is expected to return for a full vote at the board’s next meeting Feb. 11.
Homeowners who spoke during public comment echoed Barger’s comments on the bill negatively impacting those who rely on rental properties for a living.
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