Los Angeles, CA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

The Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) is Los Angeles's proactive rental inspection program, created in 1998 and administered by the LA Housing Department (LAHD). SCEP mandates routine inspections of all residential buildings with two or more rental units at least once every four years. Approximately 880,000 multifamily rental units across the city are subject to SCEP. Inspectors check for compliance with the Los Angeles Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes, as well as California Health and Safety Code requirements. Inspection areas include structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing and electrical systems, pest infestations, ventilation, and general habitability. When violations are found, LAHD issues orders to property owners with a compliance period, generally 30 days, to complete repairs. After the compliance period expires, LAHD conducts a re-inspection to verify corrections. Properties that fail to achieve compliance may be referred to the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP), which allows tenants to pay reduced rent into an escrow account until violations are corrected. SCEP is funded through annual fees assessed to property owners.