SACRAMENTO – Building on their work to support communities devastated by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County, the State Legislature today gave its final approval of AB 851, by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D – Inglewood), which would prohibit prospective buyers from making unsolicited below market offers on residential properties in fire impacted areas and allow the seller of a residential property in fire impacted areas to rescind the sale of their property within four months of the sale.
The State Assembly approved AB 851 on a vote of 62 to 5. The State Senate previously approved the measure on a vote of 30 to 8.
“I am extremely concerned about the potential displacement of families from the Palisades and Altadena, especially the families within the historically Black neighborhoods of Altadena,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor. “AB 851 provides important protections to all families impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires and is an important part of LA County’s efforts to rebuild from this devastating natural disaster. I strongly encourage Governor Newsom to sign this bill into law.”
Many homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura counties who were affected by the January 2025 fires have reported being targeted by unscrupulous businesses, scam artists and predatory buyers. Some of these bad actors engaged in illegal price gouging in the rental market and made unsolicited offers to property owners who lost their homes. LA County fire survivors have experienced unimaginable trauma and now find themselves pressured to quickly sell their home and face long term displacement. AB 851 gives these families time to grieve, time to breathe and time to make an informed decision that is in the best interests of their family.
AB 851 now heads to Governor Newsom for final consideration.