Los Angeles County, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Inadequate sanitation conditions
- No hot water, no lighting, pest infestation, mold, inadequate garbage removal (§ 9904.1)
- Structural hazards
- Deteriorated foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, fireplaces (§ 9904.2)
- Wiring deficiency
- Wiring not conforming to applicable laws or not maintained in safe condition (§ 9904.3.1)
- Enforcement authority
- Building Official; conditions determined by health officer or code enforcement officer
- Penalty for non-compliance
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment per day of violation
Summary
Los Angeles County's Building Code defines specific substandard conditions, including lack of hot water, inadequate wiring, pest infestation, and mold, that make any dwelling a public nuisance subject to enforcement action.
9903.1: Any building or structure or portion thereof...including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms...in which there exists any of the conditions listed in Section 9904 to an extent that creates a public nuisance and endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the occupants...shall be deemed and hereby is declared to be a substandard building. 9904.1: Inadequate Sanitation [includes]: 9904.1.1 Lack of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures. 9904.1.6 Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents as determined by a health officer... 9904.1.7 Visible mold growth, as determined by a health officer or a code enforcement officer... 9904.3.1 All wiring except that which conformed with all applicable laws in effect at the time of installation and which has been maintained in good and safe condition.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 99 of Title 26 establishes standards for substandard buildings in unincorporated LA County. Section 9903.1 declares any dwelling where conditions listed in Section 9904 create a public nuisance to be a substandard building. Key inadequate sanitation conditions under Section 9904.1 include: lack of hot and cold running water (9904.1.1), lack of required natural light or ventilation (9904.1.2), dampness of habitable rooms (9904.1.4), lack of required electrical lighting (9904.1.5), insect/vermin/rodent infestation (9904.1.6), visible mold growth (9904.1.7), lack of sewage disposal connection (9904.1.8), and lack of adequate garbage and rubbish removal (9904.1.9). Structural hazards (Section 9904.2) and inadequate wiring (Section 9904.3) also constitute substandard conditions. The Building Official can order abatement, require vacating the premises, or order demolition.
Violations & Fines
Property owners who fail to correct substandard conditions after notice face misdemeanor prosecution under Section 103.3 (up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment per day). The Building Official may record a Notice of Violation with the County Recorder and may abate conditions at the owner's expense. Costs of enforcement actions are recoverable under Section 103.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions make a rental unit officially substandard in unincorporated LA County?
Can a tenant report a habitability problem to the county?
What can happen to a property declared substandard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.