On February 24, 2026, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 to extend countywide emergency price-gouging restrictions tied to the wildfires that occurred in early 2025.

The motion—introduced by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and seconded by Supervisor Hilda Solis—extends the current restrictions through March 29, 2026. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was absent from the vote.

These restrictions took effect on February 28 and apply to several sectors throughout Los Angeles County, including:

• Residential rental properties
• Hospitality accommodations, such as hotels and lodging operators
• Self-storage facilities
• Construction materials and fire-recovery services
• Healthcare equipment and essential medical products
• Transportation, fuel, and freight services

Under California’s emergency price-gouging laws, businesses generally may not increase prices by more than 10% above pre-emergency levels during an officially declared emergency period.

For the rental housing sector, this may limit the ability to adjust rents beyond the allowed threshold while the emergency order remains active.

Why It Matters

Although the wildfire emergency occurred more than a year ago, the county continues to extend these emergency restrictions.

Data from the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) provides additional context:

• Approximately 32,000 residents were displaced by the fires.
• The county recorded around 1,885 price-gouging complaints during 2025.
• 92% of those complaints occurred during the first four months following the fires (January–April 2025).
• Complaint levels have declined significantly since mid-2025.

At the same time, several relief programs remain available for impacted households, including

CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program

• Up to 12 months of mortgage assistance
• Up to $100,000 per household

Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP)

• Assistance covering as much as six months of unpaid rent
• Rental support of up to $15,000 for each qualifying household
• Available to eligible renters and participating housing providers

These programs were designed to provide temporary financial support while communities continue to recover from the wildfire impacts.

Lucrum’s Perspective

Housing policy changes can influence the long-term stability of the multifamily investment market across Los Angeles.

For apartment owners and investors, extensions of emergency regulations introduce additional considerations around:

• Future rental income expectations
• Investment underwriting assumptions
• Property management and operational strategy
• Timing of acquisitions or dispositions

While these restrictions are temporary, policy decisions like this highlight an ongoing reality: housing regulations in Los Angeles can evolve quickly, particularly after major economic or environmental events.

For investors, the key is not reacting emotionally but planning strategically.

At Lucrum Real Estate Group, we guide apartment owners through regulatory shifts by focusing on three core principles:

Clarity → Strategy → Execution

Understanding policy developments early allows investors to make more confident decisions about:

• Holding vs. selling an asset
• Capital improvement timing
• Rent positioning strategies
• Long-term portfolio planning

Next Steps for Owners & Investors

If you own apartment property in Los Angeles County, consider reviewing the following steps:

• Review Planned Rent Adjustments: Emergency price restrictions may influence the timing or scale of rent adjustments for certain units.
• Stay Informed on Local Policy Changes: Housing regulations can shift quickly, making it important for owners to monitor policy updates that affect rental operations.
• Evaluate Long-Term Investment Strategy: Changes in regulatory policy can affect decisions regarding refinancing, repositioning, or selling an apartment property. For some owners, these developments create uncertainty.
  For others, they create strategic opportunities.

Let’s Talk Strategy

If you own an apartment building in Los Angeles County and want clarity on how evolving regulations may affect your property or long-term investment strategy, our team is here to help.

Lucrum Real Estate Group provides valuation, investment advisory, and strategic guidance for multifamily owners across Los Angeles.

Start with a conversation.

FAQs About LA County Emergency Price Restrictions

• What are price-gouging restrictions in Los Angeles County? Price-gouging laws prevent businesses from raising prices more than 10% above pre-emergency levels during a declared state of emergency.
• Do these restrictions apply to apartment properties? Yes. Residential rental properties may be subject to price-gouging limitations while an official emergency declaration remains active.
• When do the current restrictions expire? The latest extension is scheduled to remain in effect through March 29, 2026, unless the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approves another extension.
• Are financial assistance programs still available? Yes. Programs such as the CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program and the Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) continue to provide financial support for qualifying households.

Source: AGGLA