Spencer Pratt Faces Residency Questions in LA Mayoral Race

Former reality TV star's burned-down home raises eligibility concerns

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:28pm

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A photorealistic painting of a partially burned, abandoned house in a suburban neighborhood, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of melancholy and the aftermath of a disaster.The charred remains of a once-vibrant home in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, now at the center of a political controversy over residency requirements.Los Angeles Today

Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV personality from The Hills, is facing questions about his eligibility to run for mayor of Los Angeles after his family home in Pacific Palisades burned down in a 2025 wildfire. Pratt insists the charred lot remains his legal residence, but voter and property records reviewed by the Los Angeles Times show he listed a Santa Barbara rental as his mailing address, potentially violating the city's residency requirement for mayoral candidates.

Why it matters

Pratt's candidacy has gained momentum, with a recent UCLA poll showing him in second place. However, his living situation raises doubts about whether he meets the legal requirements to run for mayor of Los Angeles, which could impact the race and the city's leadership.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Times, mayoral candidates had to be residents of the city and registered to vote there as of January 3, 2026. Pratt claims his burned-down Palisades home is still his legal residence, and he has moved an Airstream onto the property while he rebuilds. However, voter and property records show he listed the Santa Barbara rental as his mailing address. The city clerk has not yet determined whether Pratt meets the residency requirement, and rival campaigns are declining to comment, wary of appearing to attack a fire victim.

  • Pratt's family home in Pacific Palisades burned down in a massive wildfire in January 2025.
  • Mayoral candidates had to be residents of Los Angeles and registered to vote there as of January 3, 2026.

The players

Spencer Pratt

A former reality TV star from The Hills who is running for mayor of Los Angeles.

Heidi Montag

Pratt's wife, who is also involved in the family's living situation.

Jessica Levinson

A professor of law at Loyola Marymount University who commented on the residency requirements for mayoral candidates.

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles, who is leading in the polls.

Nithya Raman

A Los Angeles city councilwoman who is running for mayor and is close to Pratt in the polls.

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What they’re saying

“I think this brings up the question as to whether Spencer Pratt can satisfy the residency requirement required under the charter to be elected mayor.”

— Jessica Levinson, Professor of Law, Loyola Marymount University

“They want to try and write a hit piece about me about my residence? They want to attack me for not living in the Palisades while running for mayor. Hey, brain surgeon, my house burned down.”

— Spencer Pratt

What’s next

The city clerk will determine whether Pratt meets the residency requirement to run for mayor of Los Angeles. If he is deemed ineligible, it could significantly impact the race and the city's leadership.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and practical challenges that can arise when a candidate's personal circumstances, such as a natural disaster, intersect with the strict eligibility requirements for running for public office. It raises questions about how cities should approach such situations and balance fairness with upholding the law.