Does Los Angeles County, CA have its own bed-bug rules ordinance?

No. Los Angeles County, CA does not appear to have a local bed-bug rules ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California Civil Code §1954.603.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, CA Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to: Unincorporated LA County, 2+ unit rentals
Enforcer: DPH County Housing Program Chief
Extermination duty: Treat all adjacent units, not just one
Fine: $500 per unit after hearing
Correction window: 21 days after inspection report

Summary

In unincorporated LA County, rental properties with two or more units must have landlords treat every adjacent unit for bed bugs once an infestation is confirmed, under the county's Rental Housing Habitability Program enforced by Public Health inspectors.

City-specific rules exist: Long Beach has its own bed-bug rules rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in Long Beach, check the city-specific page instead.

If bed bugs or cockroaches are present, the Landlord's extermination plan shall include treatment of all adjacent Rental Housing Units, which includes units above, below, and next to the infested unit.

Source: California Civil Code §1954.603View official code

Full Breakdown

Los Angeles County's Rental Housing Habitability Program (LA County Code Ch. 8.53) covers rental properties with two or more units in the Unincorporated Areas only. Inspectors treat a bed bug infestation as an 'Underlying Defect,' letting them inspect adjacent units without prior notice. If a Hearing Officer later orders Integrated Pest Management for an uncorrected violation, the landlord's extermination plan must cover every adjacent unit above, below, and next to the infested one, not just the reported unit. Landlords generally get 21 days from the inspection report to correct violations; imminent-hazard conditions require correction within 24 hours.

Violations & Fines

Uncorrected violations draw a $500 administrative fine per Rental Housing Unit after a hearing, added inspection fees, possible placement into the county's rent escrow program (REAP), and civil fines up to $1,000 per day pursued by County Counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply if my rental is in the City of Los Angeles?

No. The Rental Housing Habitability Program covers only unincorporated Los Angeles County rentals with two or more units. Los Angeles and the county's other cities enforce their own habitability and pest codes.

What must a landlord do once bed bugs are confirmed?

If a Hearing Officer orders Integrated Pest Management after an uncorrected violation, the landlord's extermination plan must treat all adjacent units, above, below, and next to the infested one, not just the reported unit.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code, Title 8, Ch. 8.53 (Municode)

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