In the event of a violation of this policy, hosts will receive an error message.
This move by the company followed a warning from California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, on the same day (January 7), reminding citizens that price gouging is illegal during emergency situations.
Bonta stated in an interview with KTLA 5 on Thursday that hundreds of complaints have been filed by citizens regarding property owners who raised rents due to the damage caused by the fires in Los Angeles County. The Attorney General made it clear that the state will take legal action against individuals exploiting the situation.
The company also called on other hospitality businesses in Los Angeles, including hotels, to implement similar measures to prevent price exploitation, in order to protect the victims of the fires.
Regarding support for those affected, Airbnb’s nonprofit organization, Airbnb.org, announced it would provide free, temporary housing for 25,000 individuals displaced by the fires, as well as for 6,000 pets, according to the company.
This initiative is carried out in collaboration with 211LA, and all stays are completely free for guests, as Airbnb waives all fees, and Airbnb.org covers the cost of the accommodations.
