I have been writing since mid 2019 about the changes to the Los Angeles municipal code. L.A. Landlords now have the right to refuse entry to the Housing Department SCEP inspectors. Please read all of the various articles I have posted about this and how to legally refuse entry to the inspectors.
However, I just want to emphasize NEVER let the SCEP inspectors into your property. There is nothing good that can come of it. Even if your building has previously passed with flying colors, that does not mean that it will pass this time. The city is tightening the screws on landlords and things that have passed in the previous inspections may now be “problematic”, according to the city.
The most common things I have noticed have to do with supposedly unpermitted construction. For example, enclosed porches, awnings, fences, windows, sinks, etc. I’ve heard all kinds of stories from landlords. One lady told me she bought an old building thirty years ago that had a sink and laundry hookups in the garage. The city never said boo about it the previous 4 inspections but now in 2019 they are telling her to either get it permitted or tear it out. She says but I bought it like that and you never said anything about it in previous inspections. I’ve heard many stories like this.
My gut feeling is the city is desperate for money and squeezing fees, fines, and penalties from Landlords is a good way to generate cash flow. So again the bottom line is NEVER let inspectors in your building.
If you ever need some help with refusing inspection read my other articles or feel free to contact me and I can help you with the process and what to write and how to get your tenants on board. Thank you.