The recent wildfires have changed everything—from housing availability to rental prices and tenant rights. As the dust settles (literally and figuratively), many renters and landlords are left wondering: Who’s responsible for what?

Let’s get one thing straight: Landlords are responsible for providing a habitable living environment—and that includes addressing post-fire damage like ash, soot, and hazardous conditions. But your personal property? That’s on you. This is why having renters insurance is non-negotiable.

In this week’s issue, we’re diving into:

✅ Landlord Responsibilities After a Fire
✅ Why Renters Insurance is a Must
✅ Landlords & Insurance Claims—No Excuses
✅ The Price Gouging Battle Continues

Let’s get into it.

If your rental was impacted by the wildfires, your landlord cannot ignore damage that makes your home unsafe to live in. That means:

🔹 Ash & Soot Removal – This isn’t just “dust”—it’s toxic and requires professional remediation. Landlords must ensure the unit is properly cleaned.
🔹 Air Quality & Ventilation – Smoke damage lingers. If the air inside your unit is unsafe, landlords must address it.
🔹 Structural & Safety Repairs – If the fire weakened walls, ceilings, or electrical wiring, landlords must fix it—fast.

A landlord refusing to remediate fire damage? That could be a violation of California’s habitability laws. If your unit isn’t livable, you may have legal grounds to withhold rent or break your lease.

If you lost furniture, clothes, electronics, or other personal belongings due to fire, smoke, or water damage, your landlord isn’t responsible—unless they were negligent (e.g., ignoring fire hazards).

This is why renters insurance is essential. It covers:

✅ Fire & Smoke Damage to Personal Items
✅ Temporary Housing if Your Rental is Unlivable
✅ Liability Protection in Case of Accidents

Many renters skip insurance, thinking it's expensive. But most policies cost as little as $10-$20/month—way cheaper than replacing everything out of pocket. Don’t wait for the next disaster. Get covered now.

Some landlords are hesitant to file insurance claims after the fires because they fear:

❌ Higher premiums
❌ Risk of being dropped by their provider
❌ The hassle of dealing with claims

But that’s why they have insurance. If a landlord refuses to file a claim and instead pushes repair costs onto tenants (or ignores repairs entirely), that’s a huge red flag.

💡 Tenants Tip: If your landlord is dragging their feet on fire-related repairs, send a formal written request and document everything. If they continue to stall, legal action might be necessary.

The wildfires have created the perfect storm for bad landlords to take advantage of renters.

🔺 Illegal Rent Hikes – Some landlords are ignoring the 10% cap on rent increases and jacking up prices 50% or more.
🔺 Eviction Pressure – Tenants are receiving illegal eviction threats so landlords can re-rent to fire victims at higher rates.
🔺 Listings Are Out of Control – A Rent Brigade report found 1,400+ rental listings in violation of California’s price-gouging laws.

According to The Guardian, tenants are facing unlawful evictions and rent hikes, with landlords raising rent past legal limits and sending harassment letters daily【The Guardian】.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Rob Bonta has started cracking down, with 650+ warning letters sent to landlords and realtors suspected of price gouging【The Guardian】.

If your rent was increased illegally, you do not have to pay the extra amount. Report price gouging immediately to California’s Attorney General’s Office and tenant rights groups.

As rent prices climb, finding affordable housing in Southern California feels impossible. But some cities still offer reasonable rents compared to LA’s sky-high prices. Here’s where to look:

🏡 Riverside – Lower rental prices with easy access to LA.
🏡 San Bernardino – More affordable rent and growing housing options.
🏡 Oxnard – Coastal living at a lower cost than LA or Orange County.
🏡 Lancaster/Palmdale – Lower rent with new developments on the rise.
🏡 Long Beach – Rent varies, but still cheaper than West LA with great public transit.

These areas offer lower rents, growing job markets, and more space—ideal if you’re looking for better housing options in 2025.

🔎 Thinking of relocating? Check rental listings and compare before signing a lease!

LA’s wildfires have left thousands of renters in limbo, but here’s what you need to remember:

🔥 Your landlord MUST provide a livable home—don’t let them ignore damage.
🔥 Renters insurance protects YOU—don’t skip it.
🔥 Price gouging is ILLEGAL—if you see it, report it.

And finally, if your rent has jumped drastically, fight back. The law is on your side, and organizations like The Rent Brigade are tracking price gouging and pushing for tenant protections.

Stay informed. Stay empowered. And as always—The Tenure View has your back. 💙🏡🔥

📢 Have a story about price gouging or landlord disputes? DM us or reply to this email. Your experience could help protect other renters!