On February 4, 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency due to a severe winter storm. The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has urged businesses, including hotels, to adhere to state and county laws against price gouging. Penal Code Section 396 prohibits price increases of more than 10% during emergencies, applicable to all areas of Los Angeles County.
The DCBA has launched an online tool for reporting suspected price gouging. Consumers who think they have been overcharged should keep their receipts and file a complaint using this tool. It allows users to provide incident details and upload supporting documents.
Businesses are advised to keep detailed pricing records before, during, and after the emergency. Violations of the California Price Gouging Law can lead to fines up to $10,000, a year in jail, or both. The DCBA is monitoring prices and will work with local prosecutors to investigate price gouging reports.
Rafael Carbajal, DCBA Director, stressed the department’s dedication to protecting residents. He warned businesses against exploiting the situation and encouraged the public to report any suspected price gouging.