Renters are entitled to housing that meets the building codes and standards for protection of life, limb, health, property, safety and welfare. The City of Los Angeles Building Code and the State Housing Law of California establish these legal requirements and it is the property owners’ responsibility to maintain rental housing in conformity with the requirements. Additionally, the California Civil Code contains provisions that establish mutual or shared responsibilities between renters and property owners for maintaining rental housing.
As a public service the California Department of Consumer Affairs has published an excellent guidebook titled, California Tenants—A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities that you should find very helpful to understanding your rights and responsibilities.
Additionally, in 1998, the City of Los Angeles enacted the Los Angeles Housing Code. The Housing Code applies to all residential rental properties with two or more units on a lot and where at least one of the unit is a rental unit.
Examples of properties within scope of the Los Angeles Housing Code
Examples of properties not in scope of the Los Angeles Housing Code
The purpose of the Housing Code is to ensure that rental housing is maintained in accordance with building codes and standards. To do this, the Department’s housing inspectors conduct routine periodic inspections, also known as the Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) inspections.
Please note: If the property you live in is within Los Angeles and not subject to the Los Angeles Housing Code, please call The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) at 311 or (888) LA4-BUILD. If the property is located within an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, please call (877) 966-CODE (2633). Cities within Los Angeles County which have their own individual code enforcement agencies may be contacted directly.
If you live in a rental property in the City of Los Angeles, it may be subject to the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).
Building Codes and Standards Complaint Inspections Maintaining your property Orders REAP Report a Violation SCEP Systematic Code Enforcement Program
Last modified: March 9, 2021