Los Angeles is in a housing crisis—and some landlords are making it worse.

According to a new lawsuit by LA City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, a group of individuals and companies ran thousands of illegal short-term rentals, even converting rent-stabilized units that should have housed long-term residents. Worse, they’re accused of exploiting victims of the January 2025 wildfires by illegally doubling their rent—violating California’s anti-gouging laws during a state of emergency.

These operators used deceptive tactics to evade enforcement, listing units with fake identities and false locations to mislead renters and avoid the rules.

This is a clear abuse of power, profit, and the law. City leaders must ensure these landlords face serious penalties—and protect renters from future exploitation.

Sign now to demand justice for wildfire victims and full accountability for illegal rental operators.