LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake is reminding community members that an anti-rent gouging ordinance the Board of Supervisors passed last year remains in effect to the county's state of emergency.
During the first Lake County Long-Term Recovery Task Force meeting dedicated to Clayton fire survivors on Wednesday, concerns were raised about new reports of rent gouging, to take advantage of the housing shortage brought on by all the recent wildfire disasters.
Similar concerns were raised early on in recovery from the Valley fire and in response, on Oct. 6, 2015, the Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 3033, reaffirming state law which, during a state of emergency, makes it unlawful for any person to rent or lease a dwelling unit in the unincorporated areas of the county for more than average retail price.
District 5 Supervisor and Recovery Co-Coordinator Rob Brown reminded the public that this ordinance is still in effect.
In keeping with California Penal Code Section 396, the “anti-price gouging statute,” Ordinance No. 3033 also makes it unlawful to evict an existing tenant in order to rent a dwelling unit, in an unincorporated area, for more than the average retail price.
Average retail price is the rental price for the dwelling unit during the 30-day period immediately preceding the state of emergency.
Violation of Ordinance No. 3033 is a misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $20,000. Violation of California Penal Code Section 396 may result in up to one year in jail, a fine of $10,000 or both.
Additionally, such a violation can lead to a civil enforcement action as an unlawful business practice and an act of unfair competition which warrants an additional penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.
Brown said reports of violations will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for investigation.
“During these unprecedented disasters, now is a time when our community must come together and support each other – as so many have and continue to do so. All landlords are called upon to do the same,” Brown said.
County officials respond to reports of price gouging in fire area
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On