Celebrity reporter Jason Oppenheim calls out landlords for price gouging

Jason Oppenheim, famous real estate agent and star of “Selling Sunset,” denounces the illegal practices of landlords who charge predatory prices.

As the deadly Los Angeles wildfires continue to devastate the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Eaton Canyon and neighboring areas, leaving thousands of people displaced and frantically seeking shelter, online conversations have turned to Los Angeles homeowners. Angeles who are taking advantage of the emergency situation.

Oppenheim spoke to the BBC about one of his clients who was the victim of price gouging, a practice banned in California if rent prices rise more than 10% during a 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 owner said, ‘No, I want $23,000 a month.’ There are price gouging laws in California, they are simply being ignored right now, and now is not the time to take advantage of the situation.

California officials have also spoken out on the issue. Governor Gavin Newsome has issued an executive order to prohibit fraud and price gouging during the official state of emergency.

On Instagram, Oppenheim and his real estate agency offered to represent those displaced by the fires, writing that “all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you free of charge or credit you with any commission we receive in the transaction.”

Dylan Eckardt, a luxury real estate agent whose clients include Justin Bieber and Rihanna, previously said Variety that it waives commission fees for those directly affected by the fires.

Since last Tuesday, 16 deaths have been confirmed due to wildfires.