The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have intensified an already critical housing situation in California, forcing many residents to seek shelter and driving rents to record highs. Displaced families are grappling with illegal price gouging by some landlords, amid alarms raised by officials and realtors alike about rising rental prices. As Los Angeles experiences a spike in asking rents—some as high as 134%—the state Attorney General has vowed to enforce laws against price gouging after declaring a state of emergency. The economic repercussions are significant, with estimates suggesting total fire-related losses could reach $30 billion for insurers. With the city’s housing shortage exacerbated by the destruction of homes, newcomers from affected areas are left with few options in an unforgiving rental market. Notably, celebrity realtors and local leaders are stepping forward to condemn greedy practices, yet the path to recovery remains steep for many who have lost everything.