We are the Right Partner for Property Owners in Los Angeles and Throughout Southern California

In 2011, The Eberly Company was awarded the contract by the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) to act as the Landlord Outreach Contractor for REAP (Rent Escrow Account Program). Since then, The Eberly Company has worked closely with LAHD to provide assistance to property owners and landlords going through the REAP process. For more information on REAP, please visit hcidlasolutions.com

What is REAP?

Effective July 15, 1998, the city of Los Angeles City Council approved Ordinance 172,109 establishing the Systematic Code Enforcement Program. The Systematic Code Enforcement Program mandates that the city of Los Angeles inspects residential dwellings with two or more units every three years. The purpose of SCEP is to ensure that residential dwellings are maintained free of any issues relating to life and safety or general habitability.

The Rent Escrow Account Program is an enforcement program managed by the Los Angeles Housing Department, enforcing code violations based on orders. The program forces an owner to bring the property into compliance, with consequences including but not limited to rent reductions to your tenants, REAP administrative fees, and a cloud on the property title.

What is the difference between REAP and Code Enforcement?

Even though REAP and Code Enforcement can work hand in hand, they are different. REAP is an administrative enforcement process and is a consequence of non-compliance with housing codes identified by an inspection conducted by the Los Angeles Housing Department. The consequences an owner may face through this program are only financial and property related. The Code Enforcement program, however, can lead to criminal consequences.

If you violate Code Enforcement requirements, your case can be sent to REAP as well as to the City Attorney for possible criminal charges. A property owner can face jail time for failure to maintain their property in a safe and habitable condition. It is possible for an owner to be in the REAP program and also be facing criminal charges through the Los Angeles City Attorney. Don’t be that property owner and call us now!