Price gouging, including for rental housing, is illegal during a state of emergency, which was declared by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 7. During emergencies, landlords are prohibited from raising rental housing prices by more than 10% of the previously advertised price.

Renee Weitzer, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, lost the Sunset Mesa home she shared with her 88-year-old husband, Ed. They escaped the approaching wildfire with their medication, some important papers, their dog and a single change of clothing, thinking they would quickly return home.