Many renters in Los Angeles, like 70-year-old Ruth Zepeda, are facing rent hikes, with some struggling because of job losses from recent wildfires.

In response, the LA City Council is considering temporary protections, including an eviction moratorium and a rent freeze through 2026, though landlords argue the measures could be too broad, and say there’s already relief available for fire victims.

With rents rising 20% since the fires, some because of price gouging, according to a study by the Washington Post, tenants like Ruth hope the city will step in to provide relief.