Famous relator Jason Oppenheim exposes landlords to price gouging
Celebrity real estate agent and “Selling Sunset” star Jason Oppenheim is calling out the illegal practices of price gouging landlords.
As deadly wildfires in Los Angeles continue to ravage the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Eaton Canyon and nearby regions, leaving thousands of people displaced and frantically seeking shelter, online conversations have focused on Los Angeles landlords taking advantage of the emergency.
Oppenheim told BBC about a client of his who became the victim of price gouging, in other words a practice banned in California if rental prices increase by more than 10% during the declared state of emergency. “I had a client, we sent him to a house that was asking $13,000 a month,” Oppenheim explained. “He offered $20,000 a month and he offered to pay six months in advance, and the landlord said, ‘No, I want $23,000 a month.’ There are price gouging laws in California, but they are simply being ignored at this point, and this is not the time to take advantage of situations.
Officials in California have also spoken out on the issue. Gov. Gavin Newsome issued an executive order banning fraud and price gouging during the official state of emergency.
On InstagramOppenheim and his brokerage offered to represent people displaced by the fires, writing that “all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you for free or reimburse you for the commission we receive in the transaction.”
Dylan Eckardt, a top luxury real estate agent whose clients include Justin Bieber and Rihanna, previously said this Variety that he will waive commission fees for people directly affected by the fires.
Since last Tuesday, there have been 16 confirmed deaths from the wildfires.
