The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned hundreds of houses in Los Angeles County, within the course of creating refugees in a area with a persistent housing scarcity.
For now, lots of the displaced are staying in lodges, shelters or with family and friends. Others could also be trying to find a extra everlasting dwelling in a rental. Many extra will be a part of them quickly.
If you’re seeking to place to remain, listed here are some issues it’s best to know.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
AirBnB.org, a nonprofit that works with AirBnB hosts, is offering free, short-term housing for these displaced by the fires.
These in want of housing can fill out an software right here with 211 LA, a company partnering with AirBnB.org on the trouble.
Native lodges are additionally providing discounted charges, with extra info accessible right here and right here.
PRICE GOUGING
Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County, a declaration that establishes protections in opposition to worth gouging.
Meaning landlords can typically not cost greater than 10% above what they have been charging or promoting earlier than the state of emergency, which took impact on January 7, in response to the California Lawyer Normal’s workplace. These worth gouging protections additionally apply past the housing market to objects like meals, fuel and medical provides.
If a house was not rented or marketed earlier than the state of emergency, there are protections as nicely. In such a case, the legal professional normal’s workplace says landlords can’t cost greater than 160% of honest market worth as decided by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and City Growth.
California Atty. Normal Rob Bonta has inspired the general public to report worth gouging to his workplace by utilizing a web based kind accessible right here.
Value gouging protections typically are in place for 30 days following the declaration of a state of emergency, however will be prolonged.
The tenant advocacy group Coalition for Financial Survival can be holding Saturday workshops for current renters and people now in want of a rental to study extra about their rights.
INSURANCE CLAIMS
If your house was fully destroyed, your insurance coverage firm should instantly pay you a minimal of 4 months’ price of lease for the native space wherein you reside.
It’s best to contact your insurer and begin the method as quickly as you’re in a protected place. Extra info on coping with your insurance coverage firm, together with on problems with rebuilding, will be discovered right here.
Workers Writers Andrea Chang and Caroline Petrow-Cohen contributed to this report.
