The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned thousands of homes in Los Angeles County, creating refugees in a county with a persistent housing shortage.
For now, many refugees are staying in hotels, shelters or with friends and family. Others may be looking for a permanent home in a rental property. Many others will join them soon.
If you are looking for a place to stay, here are some things you should know.
Temporary housing
AirBnB.org, a non-profit organization that works with AirBnB hosts, provides free, temporary housing to those displaced by the fires.
Those in need of housing can fill out an application here through 211 LA, an organization partnering with AirBnB.org in the effort.
Local hotels also offer discounted rates, more information available here and here.
PRICE GROWTH
Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County, a declaration that establishes protections against price increases.
That means landlords generally can't charge more than 10% more than what they were charging or advertising before the state of emergency, which went into effect on January 7, according to the California Attorney General's office. These deflationary protections apply beyond the housing market to things like food, gas and medical supplies.
If the home is not rented or advertised before the emergency, there is protection as well. In such a case, the attorney general's office says landlords cannot charge more than 160% of fair market value as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
California Atty. General Rob Bonta encouraged the public to report price cuts to his office by using the online form available here.
Price reduction protections usually last for 30 days following the declaration of a state of emergency, but can be extended.
The Coalition for Economic Survival is also holding workshops on Saturday for existing tenants and those who now need a place to rent to learn more about their rights.
INSURANCE CLAIMS
If your home is destroyed, your insurance company must immediately pay you four months' rent.
You should contact your insurer and start the process as soon as you are in a safe place. More information about working with your insurance company, including rebuilding issues, can be found here.
Staff Writers Andrea Chang and Caroline Petrow-Cohen contributed to this report.
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