Selling Sunset’s Jason Oppenheim has claimed Los Angeles landlords are illegally raising rental prices amid the city’s wildfire disaster.
During an interview with BBC One on January 12, the 47-year-old real estate tycoon and reality TV personality shared that he directed a client to a property that was previously listed at $13,000 per month, only for the landlord to demand $23,000 per month.
Co-owner of The Oppenheim Group real estate brokerage alongside his twin brother Brett Oppenheim, Oppenheim expressed his disapproval of the situation. He mentioned that there are laws against price gouging in California that are currently being ignored, emphasizing that it is not the right time to exploit circumstances.
Well-known for his appearance in the hit show Selling Sunset since its debut in March 2019, Oppenheim highlighted the devastation caused by the L.A. wildfires that started after a strong windstorm on January 7. He described the local residents as deeply affected, with many in tears due to the smoke and the emotional toll of witnessing people’s struggles during this challenging time.
Oppenheim’s remarks come after Californian authorities warned business owners against illegally lifting item prices beyond 10% higher than the costs that existed prior to the wildfire outbreak.
The comments also come after Oppenheim announced on Thursday, January 9, that his company is donating services to displaced residents as a result of 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 wrote in an Instagram post that day. “Please reach out to us at [email protected].”
The star expanded on the initiative in a video, too. “I woke up this morning to a lot of friends and clients reaching out because they lost their homes over the last couple of days and they need help with places to live now,” Oppenheim said. “Their families are displaced and as real estate agents, we obviously have an obligation to help them find a place — even when it’s going to be difficult with thousands of people [are] looking for places and [there are] not nearly as many houses available.”
Several of Jason’s employees echoed Oppenheim’s sentiment in the video’s comments section, including Alexandra Jarvis, Davina Potratz, Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet, Polly Brindle and Chrishell Stause.
“We are ready to help down in OC! ❤️,” Selling the OC’s Brindle, 38, replied, while Fitzgerald Bonnet, 44, sent multiple heart emojis.
At the time of publication, the Associated Press reported that 24 people have died as a result of the L.A. wildfires, which broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and surrounding Los Angeles area last week. The outlet noted that at least 16 people were missing, with authorities warning that the number is “expected to rise.”
Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.
