LA County Board

22. Extending Price Gouging Protections Recommendation as submitted by Supervisor Horvath: Effective March 29, 2026 extend for 30 days, through and including April 28, 2026, the protections of California Penal Code section 396, subdivisions (b), (c), (e), and (f), to limit price-gouging for applicable goods and services, and in the housing rental market including short-term rentals and to continue the protections of County Code Chapter 8.09, pursuant to Penal Code Section 396 Subdivision (g). The Board finds that this extension is necessary because of complaints of price gouging which are continuing, and have been increasing, and that such an extension will protect the lives, property, and/or welfare of the residents of the County. Authorize a specified price increase of the rental price for housing not rented and not offered for rent within one year prior to the proclamation or declaration of emergency as defined in Penal Code Section 396 Subdivision (j) (11)(B) as follows: for Los Angeles County, increase the rental price formula for such housing from 160% of the fair market rent established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to 200% to more accurately reflect rental market conditions in the County. All other provisions of Penal Code Section 396 Subdivision (j)(11)(B) shall remain unchanged. (26-1724)