When selling an apartment (considered five units or more) in the city of Los Angeles, the following items must be certified as compliant for escrow purposes.
- All toilets must be low flow meaning they flush 1.6 gallons per flush or less per flush.
- Water heater tank(s) must be double strapped to prevent tip-over. Tankless water heaters do not need to be strapped.
- Smoke detectors – Must be hard wired only. Must be in each bedroom and adjacent bedroom hallway. A working smoke detector must be on each level of the home if the home has multiple floors. Do not need to be inter-connected.
- Carbon monoxide detectors – Must have a working CO or carbon monoxide detector on each level (at least) and in any sleeping room with a gas appliance.
- Earthquake shut off valve – Must be installed on each gas meter if there is more than one meter. More information here.
- Release latches on any security bars on bedroom windows where the window is the only means of exit if the bedroom door is blocked, must be installed and must be working for the first two floors if applicable.
- Glass slider dooring must be glazed or have security film.
- Fire extinguisher on each floor if eight or more units.
Five units and above properties are considered apartment buildings in the city of Los Angeles. Both the city of LA 9a report, and LADWP Certificate of Compliance, are required to be completed when selling in the city of Los Angeles.
If you have any question regarding code compliance for apartments when selling, feel free to post a question below in the comment box.
