“Selling Sunset” star Jason Oppenheim accused some Los Angeles landlords of “taking advantage” of wildfire victims by significantly increasing housing costs as the devastation continues.
“There are price gouging laws in California that are just being ignored right now, and this isn’t the time to be taking advantage of situations,” the real estate mogul said during an appearance on BBC One’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.”
“And it’s also illegal to take advantage of a natural disaster.”
The reality star claimed the landlord initially asked for $13,000 a month but decided to raise the price after the wildfires destroyed communities in California.
“[My client] offered $20,000 a month, and he offered to pay six months upfront,” Oppenheim said on Sunday. “And the landlord said, ’No, I want $23,000.’”
According to the real estate broker, landlords are not allowed to charge more than 10 percent above their pre-disaster rates.
Oppenheim called the current circumstances in Los Angeles “emotional for everyone” as thousands of homes have been burned to the ground.
“Everyone has tears in their eyes all day long, literally from the smoke but also just because it’s emotional to see people struggling like this,” he said in the interview.
The TV personality took to Instagram on Thursday to announce that his real estate firm would be offering their services free of charge to help those displaced by the fires.
“If you’ve lost your home in the Los Angeles fires and you need to find a place to rent until your home is rebuilt, all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you for free or credit you back any commission we receive in the transaction,” Oppenheim captioned a video message shared on his account.
He further said in the clip that he and his team have an “obligation to help,” even though he acknowledged it would be “difficult” with thousands of people without homes.
”Real estate agents need to come together and work hard for the community,” he added. “This is our time to be able to give back.”
Many celebrities have lost their homes due to the fires in California, including Paris Hilton, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester and Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.
The Palisades Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres and the death toll has reached at least 16, with an additional 16 people reported missing, per the ᴀssociated Press.
Stars have taken to social media to raise awareness about resources, send donations and share support for the firefighters risking their lives.
