Many have been displaced from their longtime homes due to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. To protect those affected, Governor Newsom has issued executive orders and legislation. Here are resources to support you during this time, and if you have any questions, we’re here to help.

Relief Measures for Los Angeles Fire Victims: What Governor Newsom Has Put in Place

1. Streamlining Rebuilding: Governor Newsom issued executive orders suspending CEQA and California Coastal Act requirements to cut red tape and accelerate rebuilding efforts.

2. Tax & Mortgage Relief: Extended tax deadlines, suspended property tax penalties, and secured mortgage relief for fire-impacted residents.

3. Temporary Housing & Tenant Protections: Streamlined temporary housing construction, waived mobile home park fees, and prohibited evictions for hosting displaced survivors.

4. Debris Removal & Cleanup: Expedited debris removal, authorized federal hazmat crews for safe property cleanup, and accelerated flood defense measures.

5. Price Gouging Protections: Expanded restrictions to prevent illegal price hikes on rent, hotels, and construction materials.

6. Immediate State Relief: Allocated over $2.5 billion for emergency response and recovery, launched CA.gov/LAfires, and introduced the LA Rises recovery initiative.

7. Supporting Displaced Students: Signed an executive order to assist displaced students and support affected schools in Los Angeles.

8. Protection from Speculators: Issued executive orders to protect fire victims from predatory real estate practices and unsolicited cash offers.

9. Business & Worker Recovery: Provided relief by deferring business licensing fees and waiving barriers to support small business and worker recovery.

10. Federal Partnerships: Partnered with federal administrations to enhance California’s rapid disaster response efforts.

Returning Home After a Wildfire

After a wildfire, returning home can be an overwhelming experience, filled with both relief and uncertainty. Before stepping onto your property, it’s crucial to consult local authorities to ensure it’s safe from lingering hazards. Even though the flames are gone, dangers like unstable structures, weakened trees, and the risk of flash floods may still pose threats. Having a comprehensive checklist helps identify these risks and ensures a thorough safety assessment. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. A coordinated network of local emergency managers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations is available to provide essential support, from safety guidance to recovery resources, helping you rebuild both your home and peace of mind.

Property Tax Relief & Resources After Fire In Los Angeles

Proposition 19: Disaster Relief Tax Base Transfers

Proposition 19 allows homeowners over 55, disabled, or natural disaster victims to transfer their lower property tax base to a new primary residence up to three times (or once per disaster) anywhere in California. If your primary residence has been significantly damaged or destroyed in a declared natural disaster, Proposition 19 allows you to transfer your property’s tax base to a replacement home within California, even across counties. The new property can be of equal or greater value, with any value exceeding the original assessed at current market rates. Forms to look out for BOE-19-V / Claim for Transfer of Base Year Value for Disaster Victims. Download this form under the "Forms" tab on the Assessor’s website.

Property Tax Disaster Relief

For properties damaged or destroyed by wildfires, tax relief may be available. Submit the ADS-820 form to the Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the incident. Your property loss must exceed $10,000 in current market value.

• Required Form: ADS-820 / Application for Disaster Property Tax Reassessment or Calamity Reassessment Relief, also known as misfortune and calamity tax relief. Access this form via the Disaster Relief section of the LA County Assessor website.

Decline-in- Property Value

If your property’s market value has fallen below its assessed value, you can request a Decline-in-Value Review. Applications are accepted annually from July 2 through November 30.

• Application Form: RP-87 / Application for Decline-in-Value Review.Property Tax Adjustments & Support After Fires In Los Angeles

• Contact Your Mortgage Servicer:
  Reach out promptly to discuss options. You may be eligible for:

• Temporary payment reductions or pauses

• Forbearance programs

• Late fee waivers

• Special terms for FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac loans

Recent Property Photo & Preliminary Damage Report

Use the LA County Recovers Interactive Maps to access real-time images and initial damage assessments by simply entering your address.

• Palisades Fire Map

• Eaton Fire Map

Enter your address to view updates. If no assessment icon appears, inspections are still pending—check back regularly.

Recovery & Preparedness Measures

Safe Reentry After Wildfires

Before returning home, consult Cal Fire’s Post-Wildfire Safety resources. Their checklist covers crucial safety considerations and connects you with local emergency services and nonprofits for additional support.

Proactive Wildfire Preparedness

• Evacuation Planning: Develop a comprehensive evacuation plan, including a “Go Bag” checklist and family preparedness tips. Resources are available on Cal Fire’s website.

  Home Defense Strategies: In wildfire-prone areas, proactive measures are vital. Learn how to:

  • Retrofitting your home for wildfire resistance

  • Maintain a Fire-Resistant Defensible Zone

  • Fire-resistant Landscaping

Preparedness today can make a world of difference tomorrow.

Supporting Children After a Fire

Have Honest Conversations:

• Be direct and simple: Acknowledge the loss, but reassure them they are safe.

• Redefine "home": Focus on family, friends, and community.

• Age-appropriate details: Share honestly without unnecessary details.

• Reassure them: Remind them you’re there to keep them safe.

Acknowledge Emotions:

• Validate feelings: It’s normal to feel scared, sad, or angry.

• Listen actively: Show empathy and understanding.

• Offer comfort: Provide reassurance through words and physical closeness.

Limit Exposure:

• Control media: Reduce graphic news and social media content.

• Provide distractions: Engage in calming activities like reading or games.

Create New Routines:

• Maintain structure: Keep regular schedules.

• Add positive rituals: Include calming activities like deep breathing or journaling.

• Foster connections: Prioritize time with family and friends.

Involve Children in Preparedness:

• Pack a to-go bag: Gives a sense of control.

• Assign roles: Small tasks help them feel involved.

• Practice emergency plans together.

Seek Support:

• School counselors and support groups can help.

• Consider therapy if needed.

• Contact the Children’s Burn Foundation at info@childburn.org or 818-907-2822.

Stay Vigilant: Avoid Scams & Fraud

Be aware that offering lowball prices to fire victims is illegal for the first three months after an emergency order. This law protects families from speculators trying to exploit their loss. If you receive such offers, consult a trusted real estate expert and never wire money to unknown accounts. Stay vigilant.

Executive Order N-7-25: Protecting Fire Victims

Issued on January 14, 2025, Governor Newsom’s order bans unsolicited property offers to fire victims in specific Southern California zip codes for three months to prevent exploitation.

• Unlawful to make unsolicited, undervalued offers to affected homeowners.

• Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both.

• Applies to areas like Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Malibu, and Santa Monica.

• Lawyers and their reps are also barred from direct client solicitation in these cases.

Rental Price Gouging Ban in Fire-Affected Los Angeles Areas

• Illegal to raise rent more than 10% above pre-emergency rates in declared emergency zones.

• Triggered by the Eaton and Palisades fires; state of emergency declared on January 7, 2025.

• Applies to existing tenants and new leases during the emergency period.

Penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail

• Fines up to $10,000

• Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation

• LA penalty for landlords increased to $30,000

• As of February 4, 2025, protections apply to all lease lengths.

• Restrictions last until March 8, 2025, unless extended.

• No exceptions if tenants offer to pay more.

• Exemption: High-end single-family homes (4+ bedrooms) in specific ZIP codes, if not previously rented, can charge market rates.

Conclusion:

Rebuilding after a wildfire can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Governor Newsom’s relief measures, combined with local and federal support, are here to help you recover and rebuild. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way.