More than 200 restaurants and landlords warned of price gouging complaints after California fires

California Attorney. Gen. Rob Bonta’s office announced Friday that he has sent more than 200 letters to landlords and hotels warning them of alleged wildfire-related price gouging.

“The price gouging we are seeing and hearing about needs to stop now,” Bonta said in a press release. “These letters are just one of the many tools my office is using to stop this illegal activity. Hopefully, they will Be a statement that we are acting quickly and we will not stop until price gouging happens.

Online listings show landlords have increased prices by 50% or more from advertised rents before last week’s fire, far exceeding the 10% increase allowed by law. Campaign groups have pieced together a spreadsheet of alleged violators and urged authorities to take action.

These letters notify recipients of price gouging complaints and let them know what the law is and the penalties for violating it. In addition to the letters, Bonta noted that his office is actively conducting a criminal investigation into price gouging.

Also on Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order prohibiting the eviction of tenants who provide shelter to one or more people displaced by wildfires, even if doing so would violate the terms of the lease.

“Opening up where you live to help provide shelter to those in need is not only encouraging and generous, but deserves to be protected,” Newsom said in a press release.

Newsom’s order is in effect until March 8.