Urgent Repair Program (click to see video)

The Urgent Repair Program (URP) was established to ensure that the rental property owners make immediate repairs of hazardous conditions that affect the health safety of the building occupants. If not for the prompt abatement of hazardous conditions that cause a building to be uninhabitable, the Housing Department may be forced to vacate these units and/or buildings.

 A Two-day order to comply is issued by the district Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) or Complaint inspector. The building is posted with a copy of the notice and a copy is also forwarded to the Emergency Services Section (ESS).

URP requires landlords to take action to eliminate hazardous conditions in their buildings. Landlords must begin the work to correct these hazards within two days of receiving an official notice. If the landlord does not make the repairs, an approved City contractor may be directed to obtain appropriate permits and make the repairs. The owner is billed for the City’s cost of abating the hazardous conditions plus a 40% administrative fee. To ensure the City is reimbursed for cost incurred, a lien may be placed on the property.

URP is a valuable tool for the City to use in gaining compliance by abating hazardous conditions when landlords have failed to comply in a timely manner. This program has prevented tenants from being forced to vacate and relocate due to conditions that threaten their health and safety.

URP is not designed to replace a well-planned routine property maintenance schedule. Typical URP repairs might include leaking gas pipes, sewage overflows, unprotected swimming pools, loose or missing railings, blocked emergency openings and exposed electrical wiring.

 Who Can Report Hazardous Conditions?

Hazardous conditions may be reported to LAHD by tenants, City and County personnel or anyone else concerned about the existence of a hazardous condition. LAHD Inspectors will issue a Two-day order if they see a hazardous condition during the course of a SCEP or Complaint inspection. A complaint may be made by phone, in person, by e-mail or on line at www.lahd.lacity.org.