Compton, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Municipal Code § 14-3.2 defines a 'dangerous building' to include, among 17 listed conditions, a dwelling that 'because of dilapidation, decay, damage or faulty construction or arrangement, or otherwise, is unsanitary or unfit for human habitation or is in a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease, when so determined by the Health Officer,' and separately any dwelling whose 'light, air, and sanitation facilities [are] inadequate to protect the health, safety, or general welfare of persons living within.' Such buildings are declared public nuisances under § 14-3.4.

The Building and Safety Department inspects on its own initiative, on a Housing Authority referral, on a verified tenant complaint, or on a report from Fire, Police or County Health (§ 14-3.5), then sets a hearing before the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board or a Hearing Officer with notice posted on the property and served on the owner, mortgagee and any lienholders (§§ 14-3.7 through 14-3.13). If the Board finds the building dangerous or substandard, the Building Official issues a repair, vacate-and-repair, or demolition order specifying the defects and required work; the order must set a start date of not less than 10 nor more than 30 days out, with the Building Official able to grant a written extension of up to 120 days for good cause where there is no imminent risk (§§ 14-3.19, 14-3.20).

Owners have 10 days after service to appeal to the Board or Hearing Officer, after which the order becomes final and unappealable (§ 14-3.22). If the owner fails to comply, the Department may sell the building's materials to fund demolition or repair the structure itself and assess the cost against the property through the Repair and Demolition Fund (§§ 14-3.24, 14-3.26 through 14-3.28).