LOS ANGELES COUNTY (KNX) — As the health emergency continues in Southern Los Angeles County, officials are warning hotel owners and operators to keep from price gouging those in need of housing alternatives.
“In most circumstances, businesses may not increase the price of goods and services more than 10% for consumers impacted by an emergency,” officials said in a statement.
They added that the law applies to hotel and motel rooms, rental housing and short-term rentals in the county — not just the areas immediately impacted by the Dominguez Channel Odor.
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Since October more than 4,000 people in several South Bay cities have reported the foul odor coming from the Dominguez Channel in Carson.
Working with several other groups, the L.A. County Public Works Department determined that the rotten stench was being caused by rotten organic material in the channel, which was producing hydrogen sulfide gas - and thus creating the foul smell.
While the gas is not considered harmful, side effects do include nausea, vomiting and headaches and many residents have relocated to hotels and short-term rentals with County assistance or reimbursement.
Anyone who has relocated and believes they have been improperly charged for goods, services or housing is asked to save receipts and file a price gouging complaint with the L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs by clicking here. Complaints can also be filed by calling (800) 593-8222.
Price gouging protections will remain in effect for 30 days after a declared emergency, the County said in a statement.
For those who have chosen to stay home during the ongoing health emergency, the County has issued reimbursement checks for qualifying home filters and updates. To learn more, visit the Dominguez Channel incident page here.
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