About Housing Inspections

A home inspection is an examination of the condition of a person's home. If someone's home is in poor condition, it can negatively impact a person's health and result in chronic disease and injury and poor mental health. It is important for homeowners and property owners to maintain houses and apartment buildings to ensure a healthy and safe living space.

The District Inspection Branch (DIB) of the Environmental Health Division ensures that residential housing within Los Angeles County is safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. DIB conducts routine and complaint inspections of approximately 60,000 apartment buildings with 5 units or more units, and approximately 12,000 swimming pools and spas associated with these buildings. DIB also responds to complaints concerning homes or apartment buildings of 4 units or less.

The District Inspection Branch has enforcement authority in all cities that have adopted the County Health Code. The cities of Glendale and Torrance have not adopted the housing standards under the County Health Code, and as such the County does not have enforcement authority over housing issues in those cities. The cities of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernon are not under County authority, as they have their own health departments. For unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, please visit the Rental Housing Habitability Program page for more information.

During Inspection

The Health Inspector will:

Conditions addressed include, but are not limited to:

  • Green pools / Mosquito breeding at private residences
  • Sewage discharge
  • Insect or Rodent infestations
  • Damaged walls, floors, ceiling, roof
  • Lack of hot/cold water
  • Clogged, leaking or inoperable plumbing fixtures
  • Lack of maintenance (heating, lighting, electrical, ventilation, swimming pools)
  • Lead and Mold Hazards
  • Unsanitary conditions (trash accumulation, animal droppings)

Courtesy Notice to Abate (CNTA) Letters are sent to property owners in response to an initial complaint filed with Environmental Health regarding alleged health and safety violations at housing properties in cities that have adopted the Health and Safety Code. The letter will detail the alleged violations and provide a compliance date of 21 days. It is expected that the CNTA letter sent to the property owners will result in compliance.

A Courtesy Notice to Abate Confirmation Notice is sent to the person that filed the complaint if their address is provided. If alleged violations are not corrected by the compliance date on the letter, and a second complaint is filed with Environmental Health within 30 days of the compliance date, an inspector will be assigned to conduct a complaint investigation.

Housing Inspection Results Information (Results of recent inspections of apartment buildings with 5 or more units)

Air Quality

For more information, please visit our Indoor Air Pollution page below.

Mold

For more information, please visit our Mold page below.

Lead

For more information, please visit our Lead page below.

Tenant Rights

Report a Problem

If you have questions or concerns, or to report a problem, contact the Environmental Health Call Center at (888) 700-9995 or File a Complaint Online.

Obtaining Records

Environmental Health inspection reports including routine inspections, complaint investigations, and re-inspections, are available on the Inspection Results page and do not require a California Public Record Act (CPRA) Request.

For certified copies of inspection reports, or to request complete records (including photographs and additional documentation), please submit the Department of Public Health Request For Public Records Form to the DPH Custodian of Records via email at phicor@ph.lacounty.gov. If you have any questions regarding CPRAs, please contact the Custodian of Records at (562) 345-3404.

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