An Aerial View of the Devastation: Wildfires Wreak Havoc on LA Region
The recent wildfires that swept through the LA region have left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of people and causing a housing crisis. The disaster has resulted in a surge in short-term rentals, with some homeowners and property managers taking advantage of the situation by jacking up prices.
According to a review of Zillow listings and interviews with real estate agents, housing advocates, and home-seekers, dozens of properties have increased prices by more than 10%, violating a California state law. The law prohibits price gouging during a state of emergency.
The Californian government has asked residents to report any instances of price gouging to the state Attorney General’s Office. State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin called the exploitation “absolutely unacceptable and illegal.”
The impact of the disaster has been severe, with some prospective renters finding themselves on waiting lists, in bidding wars, or being asked to provide a year’s worth of rent upfront. The housing shortage has driven up homebuying prices, making it even more difficult for those displaced to find a new place to live.
As the search for a new home continues, many are sharing their experiences of navigating the treacherous rental market. Joe Thompson, whose family was displaced from their LA neighborhood, was turned away by a real estate agent who asked for three months’ rent up front.
“It’s a crazy time, and people are getting desperate,” said Brock Harris, a real estate agent who is helping wildfire victims find new homes. “This is a red alert for housing. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
The state has set up temporary shelters for those without permanent homes, and organizations like Airbnb are working to provide free temporary housing to victims. However, the crisis is far from over, and many are worried about the long-term effects on the housing market.
For those affected, the search for a new home is a daunting task, made even more challenging by the daunting task of dealing with the trauma of losing their homes. As one resident put it, “people have lost everything, and they’re being forced to outbid each other and give the best possible terms to a landlord. It’s insane.”
The crisis in LA is just the latest example of the devastating impact of natural disasters on the housing market, and the urgent need for affordable and sustainable solutions to the housing crisis.