By Jorge Casuso

January 16, 2025 -- Santa Monica property owners can offer short-term rentals to those displaced by the wildfires burning across the region, under an Emergency Order adopted Tuesday.

The Order issued by City Manager David White allows property owners to rent available apartments, homes or accessory dwelling units for less than 30 days during the emergency.

It also allows property owners to rent furnished or unfurnished units for less than one year to those displaced by the wildfires during the emergency.

Priority is given to lower income households on the City’s Below Market wait list that have minor children in local public schools or work in Santa Monica at least 25 hours a week.

The suspension of enforcement laws prohibiting short-term rentals and leases of less than one year "is intended to allow persons displaced by the fires to find alternative temporary accommodations for a reasonable period of time," City officials said.

City staff is also preparing an action that will be presented for Council approval to "allow those displaced to remain in their alternative accommodations" for 12 months or longer "following their displacement," according to the Order.

Property owners offering units to those displaced by the fires must fill out a simple registration form, have a business license and list the unit. For more information click HERE.

"Rent control laws are still in effect and price gouging will be closely monitored and strictly enforced," City officials said.

Under the declared fire and wind emergencies, it is illegal to increase the price of goods and services, including the price of housing, by more than 10 percent.

The City Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit "is actively investigating reports of suspected price gouging in the city and educating local businesses and property owners on the law," City officials said.

Anyone who experiences price gouging should report it immediately to Consumer.Mailbox@santamonica.gov or file a complaint by visiting smconsumer.org.

As of Thursday evening, all Santa Monica areas north of San Vicente Boulevard remain under an Evacuation Warning, with an accompanying 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

"Residents may voluntarily return to this area but should remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave if conditions worsen," City officials said.

Access to evacuated areas in surrounding communities is not available through Santa Monica.

Santa Monica’s Emergency Operations Center "has moved into a monitoring position as the Palisades Fire emergency response shifts toward regional recovery," City officials said.