Yes! Some brands of smoke detectors do ‘time out’ after ten years. This feature ‘sunsets’ the detector which requires the owner to replace it with a new detector. This is a safety feature to keep the smoke detector fresh with the newest technology for the safety of the occupants of the home. Some brands have
Do Smoke Detectors ‘Time Out’ After Ten Years? Read More »
When should the retrofit inspection be ordered? RPA states that smoke detectors and CO detectors be installed (a part of the retrofit inspection) within 7 days of acceptance, or within the days noted. This is listed under item N(4) on page 2 of 12/21 RPA. See below. Who is responsible for the retrofit / code
When Should Agents Order the Retrofit Inspection? Read More »
With respect to Realtor code compliance retrofitting, our typical customer spends an average of $72 to become fully code compliant. This does does not include our $99 inspection fee. This cost will vary depending on the type of property and its condition, but generally the cost is below $200 total. It is rare that the
How Much Does It Cost to Retrofit a Typical Home? Read More »
The city of Los Angeles requires homes to be ‘code compliant’ when permitting improvement projects over $1,000, and especially if the total amount of your re-roof project (or any project) is over $10,000. In this case, you will need a clearance from the city of Los Angeles. The LADBS Owner Statement and Acknowledgment of Compliance
If selling a property in the city of Los Angeles, escrow companies, owners and agents are tasked with sending the signed original Certificate of Compliance, or the COC, to the LADWP with a check (typically) for $15. But sometimes that $15 check addressed to the LADWP is returned by the post office. What to do?
LADWP $15 check returned – now what? Read More »
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Most Realtors in Oak Park, Ventura County, tend to ‘waive’ RPA governmental code compliance when selling, even though given the option, many sellers would opt for a ‘retrofit’ or ‘code compliance’ inspection upon sale to cover their liability after the close of their escrow. When selling a home in the Oak Park area of Ventura
Oak Park Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
When selling a home in the city of Los Angeles, Toluca Lake area, the following items should be checked by a independent third party retrofitter for full compliance. This ensures all parties, including sellers, agents and their brokers, will be covered in case of problems after the close of escrow. Toluca Lake is located in
Toluca Lake Retrofitting (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
Most Realtors in the Castaic area commonly ‘waive’ RPA governmental code compliance when selling, even though given the option, many sellers would opt for a ‘retrofit’ or ‘code compliance’ inspection upon sale to cover their liability. When selling a home in the Castaic area as elsewhere in the county of Los Angeles, the following items
Castaic Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
In California, even electric water heaters need to be secured and strapped. This requirement is less urgent than for gas water heaters as there’s no gas involved. Strapping though is required to reduce the risk of electrical wiring damage and a potential house fire. The same rules for electric and gas water heaters apply for
How to Secure and Strap Your Electric Water Heater Read More »
Only if the mobile (or modular or manufactured) home is located in a city that requires it, ie city of Los Angeles, Malibu, Culver City, San Fernando etc. Here is a list of cities that require an installed seismic earthquake shut off valve when selling. Check with the community or tract manager to see if
Does a Mobile Home Need Seismic Earthquake Shut Off Valve Installed When Selling? Read More »
When selling a property in Southern California, seismic gas shut off valves are only required in certain cities within the county of Los Angeles. For 2025, they are: Any other city in the county of LA not listed above do not require an earthquake gas shut off valve when selling. Permits? Do all cities require
Which Cities Require a Seismic Gas Shut Off Valve in Los Angeles County When Selling? Read More »
When selling a home in the city of Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills or Baldwin Village (or nearby) areas, the following items should be checked by a independent third party retrofitter for full compliance. This ensures all parties, including sellers, agents and their brokers, will be covered in case of problems after the close of escrow.
Baldwin Hills and Baldwin Village Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
The cheapest (free!) and easiest insurance policy for real estate agents and their brokers (as well as for their sellers) is a code compliance retrofit inspection. As the seller (not the agent) typically pays for the retrofit/code compliance inspection, agents get a ‘free’ insurance policy covering their potential liability for the transaction with respect to
Retrofitting Inspections – A Free Insurance Policy for Real Estate Agents Read More »
If you have this type of detector – a BKK or First Alert hard wired detector like this one…. … and the green light is constantly blinking, that means that the smoke alarm at some point went off, and the detector needs to be reset. The green light will remain blinking until you reset the
Help! My hard-wired smoke detectors green light is blinking Read More »