As a Realtor in LA for the past 10 years and a homeowner, I know that a home is much more than just a property. It is full of meaning, memories, hard work, years of saving and years of dreaming. Nothing lost from a home is silly or insignificant. So to see the astounding loss and devastation of not only homes but also entire communities as a result of the LA wildfires is shattering and defies words.

I’ve compiled some strategic tips to help anyone affected by the wildfires to navigate what can be an overwhelming bureaucratic process to recovery.  I’m a Realtor, not an attorney, lender or insurance agent, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need resources, guidance or help with temporary or permanent housing. My professional circle is wide and I’m more than happy to help.

1.        BEFORE YOU CONTACT AN INSURANCE COMPANY, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY.  Not a Public Adjuster. An Attorney will advocate for and work to protect your rights, guide you through the claims process and ensure you don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm your case when speaking with the insurance adjuster, who is primarily focused on minimizing the company’s payout. This could maximize your chances for a fair payout. An Attorney also can handle litigation while a Public Adjuster is mostly focused on negotiating claims and cannot take your case to court.

2.        PLEASE BE AWARE OF RENTAL PRICE GOUGING.  CA has enacted strict price-gouging laws during state of emergency. These protections extend to housing and prohibit landlords from charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices or, in cases without prior advertising, more than 160% of HUD-determined fair market value. This includes prices of food, hotel, repairs, medical supplies and gas. If you think there is price gouging, you can report it here: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company.

3.        PLEASE BE AWARE OF FAKE GOFUNDME ACCOUNTS. Always vet accounts to ensure they are legitimate.

-            It is suggested to use vague language in any GoFundMe or online fundraisers to avoid being perceived to be receiving duplicate aid available from other sources, such as FEMA. General words such as "help" and "support" may be less triggering.

4.        MORTGAGE HELP:

Unfortunately, a mortgage is a contract and homeowners must continue to make payments. That said, there are options:

-            Check with your mortgage provider on how to apply for hardship.

-            Talk with your lender about loan modifications and forbearance.

5.        INSURANCE HELP:

-            Look at your policy and see if it covers part or all of your loan balance.

-            Record and document all conversations with your insurance agent.

-            Save receipts.

-            Make an itemized list of belongings with their true/full replacement cost (not necessarily what you paid for them). List all items even if this Is above your policy limit. Everything above and beyond your policy limit is considered a “Loss” and can be claimed as such on your taxes.

-            If you receive any pushback on claims, call CA Insurance Commissioner at (800) 927-4357

-            CA Mandatory One Year Moratorium on Non-Renewals and 60-Day Grace Period on Premiums: Insurance companies are prohibited from cancelling or refusing to renew residential property insurance policies for a property located in any ZIP Code within or adjacent to the fire perimeter, for one year after the declaration of a state of emergency. More here: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/MandatoryOneYearMoratoriumNonRenewals.cfm

-            Additional Resources: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm

6.        FEMA:

You are eligible for FEMA if you have no or partial insurance – this applies to homes AND rentals, and your property does NOT have to be a complete loss. Fire victims may be financially eligible for essentials like food, water, baby formula, medication, and housing needs like hotel rooms, rental assistance, and property loss. If you have insurance and are applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

-            To apply for FEMA: https://www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362

-            FEMA will offer to clear debris. It is recommended to accept this offer as the cost of debris removal, and the obtaining of permits to do so, later will be more costly and time consuming.

7. SBA DISASTER LOAN:

For any losses NOT covered by insurance or FEMA, you can apply for an SBA Disaster Loan. It helps homeowners, businesses, renters and non-profits and you can receive up to $500,000 in assistance depending on loan eligibility criteria. More info here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

8.        TAX RELIEF:

-            LA County Tax Relief for Properties Impacted by Disaster: https://www.propertytax.lacounty.gov/Home/NewsLanding/22

-            Apply for a tax relief through a “Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (this includes fire): https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief Claims must be filed within 12 months of date of damage.

-            Look into Prop. 19. For properties substantially damaged or destroyed by a Governor-declared disaster, Prop.19 allows for your property's tax base to be transferred to a comparable property within the same county or another county in California: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/proposition-19

- The IRS has postponed filing date to Oct 15, 2025 for households and businesses in a FEMA designated zone. More info here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-taxpayers-impacted-by-wildfires-in-california-various-deadlines-postponed-to-oct-15#:~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20affected%20individuals,due%20on%20April%2015%2C%202025.

For questions or assistance on any of the above, please feel free to contact me at 310.272.3977 or angela@angelasola.com #LAStrong