Limits on Charging for Furnished Units After L.A. Wildfires

Mar 19, 2025

If you’re a landlord renting a furnished unit in California, you should be aware of rental restrictions under California price gouging laws. The Los Angeles wildfires and state of emergency laws have placed strict limitations on how much landlords can charge for furnished rental units. Violating these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

In this video, real estate attorney Edrin Shamtob explains the key restrictions landlords must follow when renting furnished units and how to stay compliant with California’s rental pricing laws.

If you’re a rental property owner looking for legal advice, contact SNS Law Group today to ensure you’re operating within California rental laws and maximizing your rental income legally.

Transcript:

The recent Los Angeles fires and new price gouging laws have left many landlords wondering what they can and cannot charge for their rental properties. This is especially true for units that are furnished by the landlord.

If you’re a landlord who wants to rent a furnished unit to a tenant, you need to be aware of certain restrictions on the amount you can charge those new tenants.

Hi, my name is Edrin Shamtob, and I’ve been representing property owners for more than a decade in the real estate law field.

Renting Furnished Units After L.A. Wildfires

Many landlords believe they can pass all furnishing costs onto their tenants, especially for units rented after the recent Los Angeles fires.

Price Gouging Laws

California’s price gouging laws, particularly Section 396 of the Penal Code, not only limit the landlord’s ability to increase rent but also limit the landlord’s right to charge for furniture rentals. Section 396 of the Penal Code allows landlords to only charge an additional 5% of the unit’s fair market rent if the housing unit is offered for rent fully furnished.

Penalties for Overcharging

Landlords who charge more than 5% can face penalties of up to $10,000 in potential criminal fines.

Landlord-Tenant Law After the Los Angeles Wildfires

If you’re a landlord trying to navigate the impact of the recent fires on your rental properties, please contact SNS Law Group. We can help guide you through the novel legal challenges you may face.

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