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Department of Real Estate opens dedicated intake for fire‑related complaints and outreach to affected homeowners
Summary
The Department of Real Estate told a joint Assembly–Senate sunset hearing it set up an email and web form to receive reports of unsolicited below‑market purchase offers and other licensee misconduct after recent fires, and that it has deployed an internal strike team and local offices to respond.
The Department of Real Estate told a joint Assembly and Senate sunset hearing it has activated multiple contact channels and a dedicated internal response team to handle licensee and consumer issues arising from recent wildfires.
The department said it launched an email address and online web form to receive reports about unsolicited below‑market offers, price gouging and other concerns affecting fire‑impacted homeowners. “We have staff, called an internal strike team, that are dedicated to responding to those emails within a very short amount of time,” Commissioner Chika Sunquist said.
Why it matters: Disasters often generate a wave of solicited and unsolicited offers, and regulators said quick intake and coordination with local law enforcement is essential to protect homeowners from predatory practices.
What the department reported - Multiple access points: In addition to the standard licensing call line and regional offices, the department created a single email (d r e dot l a fires at d r e dot c a dot gov) and a web form so homeowners, media and community groups could report incidents and request assistance. - Volume and response: The department said it has received roughly 40–50 inquiries through the dedicated address covering renewal extensions, exam rescheduling and reports of possible licensee misconduct. It has an enforcement team available to refer complaints to investigators, managers and legal staff. - Outreach and toolkits: The department said it produced consumer education toolkits and shared materials with community groups and media outlets in affected areas, plus in‑person outreach by Department of Real Estate staff. - Collaboration with law enforcement: The department said it is coordinating with the California Attorney General’s office and local city attorneys on investigations involving licensees.
Committee concerns and follow‑up Lawmakers asked how the department ensures access for residents with limited internet connectivity and what steps are taken after an intake is received. Commissioner Sunquist said the department’s Southern California offices (Los Angeles and San Diego) are available for in‑person assistance and the standard licensing call center remains open; staff triage incoming reports and refer law‑enforcement matters to partners.
The department also briefed the committees on other work: public‑report disclosures for new‑home subdivisions (about 3,000 applications last year), endowments with California public universities to support real estate education, and a reduction in licensing call wait times from over an hour to under 15 minutes after staffing improvements.
No vote taken The hearing heard testimony and questions but no formal legislative action or vote was recorded during the hearing.
Ending note Committee members thanked the department for its rapid response and encouraged continued coordination with local agencies and community groups as rebuilding and recovery continue.
