After devastating wildfires, officials are finally taking legal action against real estate agents, landlords, and a major rental company for allegedly jacking up prices—but many argue the response is too little, too late. While lawsuits are trickling in, critics say authorities need to crack down harder to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation during the crisis.

Editor’s Note: When disasters strike, opportunistic price hikes on essentials like housing can make recovery even harder for affected communities. This story highlights the tension between slow-moving legal consequences and the urgent need for accountability—because rebuilding lives shouldn’t come with a predatory markup.