What to Know When Searching for a Rental During a State of Emergency

In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, renters may face a range of challenges, including price gouging, housing instability and unlawful evictions. Price gouging, for example, occurs when housing providers significantly increase rental prices following an emergency declaration, which is illegal under California law. At Zillow, we are committed to fostering a fair and respectful marketplace for renters and landlords, which means our users need to follow applicable housing laws.

Here are some things to know during the state of emergency due to the Los Angeles wildfires in California:

Understand the law

During a state of emergency, you should familiarize yourself with local housing laws, especially those related to price gouging during a state of emergency. For instance, following the L.A. wildfires, state law has barred increases to the rental price of a property by more than 10% if the home was listed before a state of emergency was declared. If you’re a housing provider, you can learn more about your responsibilities on our landlord resource page.

Report violations to Zillow and authorities

If you suspect price gouging, you can take action by reporting the listing to both Zillow and your state Attorney General’s office or local authorities. To flag a listing to Zillow, email us directly at reviewlistingsupport@zillow.com.

The California Attorney General’s office also provides resources for reporting price gouging, scams, fraud and other crimes. Contact them at:

• Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires
• Call their hotline at: (800) 952-5225.

Stay alert to avoid scams

High-demand situations can attract bad actors in the rental market. Protect yourself by verifying that listings are legitimate, avoiding payments before viewing a property, and staying vigilant for potential red flags. Being proactive can help ensure a safe and reliable rental experience. For more tips, learn how to recognize and avoid rental fraud.

Know your rights as a tenant

Property managers or landlords cannot evict tenants without following lawful procedures, even during a state of emergency. Evictions must comply with legal requirements, such as providing proper notice and adhering to lease terms. Additionally, Governor Newsom’s executive order issued on January 17, 2025 prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for violating their lease by sheltering individuals displaced by the Southern California wildfires. However, landlords can still enforce other lease terms, such as those related to criminal activity or property damage. This eviction protection remains in effect until March 8, 2025.  

Zillow believes in promoting fair renting practices and providing resources to help both renters and landlords understand their responsibilities. By staying informed and proactive, renters can better protect themselves against price gouging and other potential issues.

For more information on California state of emergency laws, visit the California Attorney General’s website. Additional resources for those impacted by the Southern California wildfires are available at Ca.gov/LAfires.