Summary of DRE Response to LA Fires
Since the Los Angeles area fires began on Jan. 7, 2025, the Department of Real Estate (DRE) has spent the past month coordinating
relief and resources to support affected California consumers.
Below are some of the key activities completed so far. We’re committed to supporting the recovery for all Californians.
Consumer Protection Efforts
On Jan. 14, 2025, California Governor Newsom issued
Executive Order N-7-25, barring predatory investors from making
unsolicited undervalue offers to buy land from people impacted by the firestorms.
As a result of the Executive Order, the DRE published a
public notice on our public website urging LA property owners
to report unsolicited offers to buy their property under fair market value to DRE. The notice details the executive
order, how the public can submit complaints, what an unsolicited offer is, what the fraudulent practices could look
like, and other relevant resources. DRE also translated the notice into Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
All versions our available on our website.
Members of the public can report this predatory activity that seeks to take advantage of those impacted by disaster
by emailing the DRE at LAFires@dre.ca.gov. An online form is also available
at DRE's Los Angeles Wildfires Updates webpage. DRE continues to share
the message from the public notice out on social media channels and with partners to
increase consumer awareness on this fraudulent practice.
Sharing Resources
The DRE created DRE Los Angeles Wildfire Updates webpage, a special webpage for those impacted by the Los Angeles area fires that directs to information and resources for homeowners and residents regarding reporting unsolicited offers under market value, price gouging, and other resources that may be of interest. DRE also is emphasizing fire-related consumer awareness content, including promoting the LAFires@dre.ca.gov, on its main homepage banners.
Prioritizing Consumer Complaints
The DRE is committed to protecting consumers and is a primary State agency gathering complaints around unsolicited offers to purchase property under fair market value. As of Feb. 7, the DRE has fielded 41 email messages and 3 telephone calls with consumer complaints on real estate-related issues resulting from the Los Angeles Fires.Media & Outreach
In mid-January, the LAist/KPCC news outlet interviewed DRE Commissioner Chika Sunquist. Topics discussed included what consumers should do if they’ve lost their home in a recent wildfire, such as what some possible next steps could be. The Commissioner underscored that property owners should not feel rushed or pressured; they should do their research; the State is here to help support them through rebuilding; and to report low-ball unsolicited offers for their property to the DRE.On-the-Ground Support
DRE Commissioner Chika Sunquist traveled to the Los Angeles District Office on Jan. 22 to meet with local staff, as well as visited the local Pasadena Disaster Recovery Center.
To learn more and stay up to date on the latest information, visit our DRE Los Angeles Wildfire Updates webpage and follow our social channels. We will continue to update this page as new resources become available. For comprehensive Statewide wildfire resources, visit https://www.ca.gov/LAFires/
