The order specifically targets lease violations related to providing shelter, while still allowing landlords to enforce other terms, such as those prohibiting criminal activity or property damage. Newsom described the measure as an interim solution while the legislature works on permanent protections.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/01/governor-newsom-expands-tenant-protections-for-firestorm-survivors/

At its office at 2525 Main Street, the Chamber is hosting the US Small Business Administration (SBA) for free walk-in business, homeowners and renters counseling. Part of the SBA’s efforts to support the area, consultation hours will be 9am to 5pm, apart from Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Any business owner, homeowner or renter can visit with an expert on how to apply for a SBA Disaster Relief loan, a low-interest loan aimed at recovery from the financial impact of the disaster. 

Read More: https://smdp.com/business/chamber-opens-office-to-sba-for-impacted-business-homeowners/

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering several options for survivors whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fires that began January 7. These include reimbursement for out-of-pocket hotel costs, rental assistance, and FEMA-paid temporary hotel stays through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program

Read More: https://smdp.com/news/fema-offering-disaster-relief-to-fire-victims/

Santa Monica has temporarily suspended enforcement of laws prohibiting short-term rentals and leases of less than one year when rented to households displaced by the regional fires to allow them to find temporary places to stay.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/santa-monica-emergency-order-short-term-rentals-allowed-price-gouging-prohibited-assistance-available-for-households-displaced-by-palisades-fire

While devastating emotionally and economically and one of the most significant disasters and crises Los Angeles has endured, the fires also present an opportunity for policymakers, planners, and residents to reevaluate and modernize water and electricity systems to meet current and future demands, especially those arising from planned development.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/01/sm-a-r-t-column-a-new-path-ahead/

The Order issued by City Manager David White allows property owners to rent available apartments, homes or accessory dwelling units for less than 30 days during the emergency.

It also allows property owners to rent furnished or unfurnished units for less than one year to those displaced by the wildfires during the emergency.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2025/January-2025/01_16_2025_City_Suspends_Rental_Enforcement_Laws.html

During the current state of emergency, landlords are prohibited from increasing rental prices by more than 10% above previously advertised rates.

Read More: https://smdp.com/news/crime/as-criminal-landlords-double-housing-prices-officials-warn-of-legal-repercussions/

California’s anti-price-gouging law, Penal Code Section 396, is now in effect. 

Read More: https://caanet.org/l-a-fires-legal-obligations-and-ways-rental-property-owners-can-help/

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/01/newsom-issues-executive-order-to-expedite-wildfire-recovery-announces-tax-relief-for-l-a-county/

City officials have issued an Evacuation Order for all areas of Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard due to an "immediate threat to life" from the Pacific Palisades fire.

"This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW," the alert issued at 7:38 p.m. states. "The area is closed to public access."

Meanwhile, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for all areas north of Montana to San Vicente due to "a potential threat to life and/or property.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2025/01/07/palisades-fire-evacuation-order-issued-above-san-vicente-boulevard-evacuation-warning-issued-above-montana-avenue