Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 18.30 Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program

A. The Long Beach City Council finds and declares the desire to safeguard the stock of decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing in the City through a partnership of property owners, Tenants, the City, and the community.

B. The City Council recognizes that the preservation of existing rental housing stock is important. Rental housing provides needed housing for many and is a valuable asset that must be preserved and maintained. The City has significant interest in ensuring that rental housing remains a desirable housing option for its citizens.

C. Even though most rental housing in the City meets building and safety code requirements, over time, housing may deteriorate due to circumstance or intentional or unintentional neglect by property owners, managers, and Tenants. This deterioration may result in substandard conditions that adversely affect the economic values of neighboring structures, and that are hazardous to the public health and safety. In some cases, property owners choose not to make the necessary repairs because of cost, and Tenants do not report the deficiencies.

D. California law requires that all rental housing properties comply with the minimum standards for public health, safety, and welfare. One (1) effective way to seek compliance with those standards is through routine periodic inspections of all rental housing properties and education of property owners and Tenants regarding their respective rights and responsibilities. Accordingly, it is the intent of the Long Beach City Council to enact the provisions of this Chapter as the basis for establishing a Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program aimed at securing City-wide compliance of rental housing properties with minimum standards. City-wide compliance will reduce and prevent blight and ensure that all persons who live in rental housing units are provided decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

E. As such, the City calls for the regulation and continuation of the self-funding, pro-active inspection programs for residential rental properties consisting of four (4) or more dwelling units, known as the Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

As used in this Chapter, the following terms and phrases are defined as follows:

"Director" is the Director of Community Development or a duly authorized representative.

"Person" is and includes any individual, partnership of any kind, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other organization or entity, however formed, as well as trustees, heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, or any combination of such persons.

"Property Owner" is any person who owns one (1) or more Residential Rental Properties consisting of four (4) or more dwelling units. The terms "property owner," "owner," "landlord," "person," and "operator" may be used interchangeably herein.

"Residential Rental Property" is any building or property that includes at least four (4) residential units (exclusive of permitted ADU and JADUs). This includes but is not limited to apartment houses, boarding houses, lodging houses, and rooming houses in the City of Long Beach.

"Tenant" is a person who occupies land, property, or unit from a property owner for residential purposes regardless of relationship to property owner or payment of rent.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all owners of one (1) or more qualifying residential rental properties located within the City of Long Beach.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Registration. Each Property Owner shall register for the Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program ("PRHIP") on a form provided by the Department of Community Development. Registration is due within sixty (60) days of the date that the residential rental property was acquired or converted into a residential rental property.

B. Verification. All registration documents shall be signed under penalty of perjury and are subject to verification by the Department of Community Development. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly make a false statement of fact or knowingly omit any information that is required to register a rental housing unit pursuant to this Section.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Each year, the Property Owner shall pay the PRHIP Multiple Dwelling Unit Inspection permit fee (PRHIP Fee) in the amount set forth in the City's Master Fee and Charges Schedule. Payment of the fee is due on the later of:

1. November 1; or

2. Within 60 days of the date the Residential Rental Property was acquired or converted to a Residential Rental Property. In this instance, a prorated portion of the PRHIP fee will be due. Such prorating will be based on the quarter in which the Residential Rental Property was acquired or converted.

B. A re-inspection fee shall be imposed when an additional inspection is conducted in accordance with Subsection 18.30.120.D of this Chapter. The amount of the fee shall be as set forth in the City's Master Fee and Charges Schedule.

C. The PRHIP fee required by this Chapter is in addition to and not in lieu of any other applicable fees or taxes that may be required.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Failure to Pay Annual Fee. In addition to any remedies the City may elect to pursue pursuant to this Code, for failure to pay the annual PRHIP fee when due, the Director shall add a penalty of twenty-five percent (25%) of the permit fee 30 days following the due date.

B. Interest. The failure of the owner to pay the PRHIP fee or late penalty may result in the imposition of a special assessment and/or lien against the residential rental property on which the violation occurred, after which the amount so determined shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum until paid, and/or filing of an action with the Small Claims Court for recovery of the fine and late penalty. The only issue to be adjudicated by the Small Claims Court shall be whether or not the fines and possible late fees were paid. In the Small Claims Court action, the City may also recover its costs, according to proof.

C. Penalties for noncompliance.

1. The violation of any provision of this Chapter is unlawful and constitutes a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or a jail term of not more than six (6) months, or both. Each and every day a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate violation.

2. In addition to the remedies set forth herein, the City, in its sole discretion, may also issue Administrative Citations in accordance with Chapter 9.65 to any person or entity that violates the provisions of this Chapter.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Any recipient of a late penalty may appeal said penalty by completing a written request for hearing form, obtained from the Department of Community Development and returning the written request for hearing form to the Department of Community Development, together with a deposit in the total amount of the fee and any late charges.

B. The written request and deposit must be received by the Department of Community Development within thirty (30) days of the date that City sent notice of the delinquency. Failure to file a timely appeal of the late penalty shall be deemed a waiver of the right to appeal and to seek judicial review.

C. The hearing will proceed before the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation in accordance with the procedure set forth in Section 18.30.080.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. No hearing to appeal a late penalty shall be held unless and until a request for hearing form has been completed and submitted, and the deposit has been paid consistent with the requirements of Section 18.30.070.

B. A hearing shall occur before the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation at its next regularly scheduled meeting that is not less than thirty (30) days from the date the request for hearing is completed and submitted in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The cited party requesting the hearing shall be notified in writing of the time and place set for the hearing at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the hearing.

C. The Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation shall only consider evidence that is relevant to whether the late payment penalty is proper. Courtroom rules of evidence shall not apply. Relevant hearsay evidence and written reports may be admitted whether or not the speaker or author is present to testify, if the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation determines that such evidence is reliable. Admission of evidence and the conduct of the hearing shall be controlled by the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation in accordance with the fundamentals of due process. The Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation may set reasonable limits on the length of the hearing, and shall allow the appellant at least as much time to present his/her case as is allowed to the City.

D. The failure of the appellant to appear at the hearing shall constitute a forfeiture of the fine and a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.

E. Any documents prepared by the City in connection with the late payment penalty assessed may be submitted and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the respective facts contained in those documents.

F. The Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation may continue the hearing or request additional information from the enforcement officer, his/her designee or the appellant prior to issuing a written decision.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. After considering all of the testimony and evidence submitted at the hearing, the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation shall issue a written decision within fifteen (15) business days of the hearing. The decision of the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation shall be final.

B. If the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation denies the appeal, then the deposit shall be retained by the City.

C. If the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation grants the appeal, then the City shall refund the deposit within thirty (30) business days from the date of the final written decision.

D. The appellant and City shall each be served with a copy of the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation's written decision.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

After August 1, 2015, prior to the commencement of any tenancy of a rental housing unit, the Property Owner shall provide the Tenant(s) with information concerning Tenant rights and responsibilities. The information shall be provided in a form or forms approved by the Director.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Designate Representative. All property owners shall designate one or more contact representatives with full authority to act on behalf of the owner for all purposes under this Chapter. Notice to any person so designated shall constitute service of any notices from the City regarding the property. The owner of the rental property may act as the contact representative.

B. Contact Information. A contact representative must establish and maintain a telephone number and mailing address. A contact representative may also provide an email address.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. PRHIP Inspection. In accordance with the requirements of this Subsection, the City shall be authorized to periodically conduct an inspection of residential rental properties to assure compliance with all applicable building, housing, and sanitation codes and ordinances. Property Owners and Tenants shall provide access to all common areas of a residential rental property for inspection when requested by the City's Department of Community Development.

B. Frequency of inspections. It is the intent of the City that all residential rental properties subject to this Chapter will receive a periodic inspection.

C. Random sampling inspections. The inspection shall be made of the exterior of the property, all common areas, and all exits. Inspectors shall request access to no less than ten percent (10%) of the rental units and garages where applicable in a Residential Rental Property. If access is granted, the inspector(s) shall inspect at least ten percent (10%) of the total units in the building. If the inspector discovers any violations, the inspector may conduct an inspection of additional units up to one hundred percent (100%) of the units.

D. Re-inspections. If during a PRHIP inspection there are building, housing, sanitation code, other Long Beach Municipal Code violations, or permit violations on the property, one (1) or more re-inspections of the residential rental property may be required.

E. Code enforcement. When during an inspection a building, housing, sanitation code, or Long Beach Municipal Code violation is noted, the City Inspector shall document the violation, advise the owner or operator of the violation and of the action which must be undertaken and completed in order to remedy the violation. Failure to abate code violations in a timely manner may result in additional enforcement action in accordance with Titles 9, 18, and any other applicable Titles of the LBMC.

F. Administrative Citation schedule. When during an inspection a building, housing, sanitation code, or Long Beach Municipal Code violation is noted that poses an imminent threat to the health and safety of the occupants or surrounding residents, the City Inspector will notify the owner of the violation in accordance with Subsection 18.30.120.E, and will notify the City Prosecutor's Office of the violation within twenty-four (24) hours of the inspection. If the owner fails to abate the violation within seventy-two (72) hours, the City Inspector may issue an administrative citation every fifteen (15) days for each continuing violation.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. The City shall serve written notice of the date and time of any inspection to be conducted pursuant to this Chapter, by mailing such notice at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the inspection. Notice shall be mailed to the owner and the local contact representative at their registered mailing address. In the case of multiple owners of the same property, notice to any one (1) of the property owners designated on the registration application is sufficient notice.

B. The City shall also mail a copy of the inspection notice to the rental housing units on the property.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A. Inspection. If an inspection is scheduled and entry is thereafter refused or cannot be obtained, the inspector shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure lawful entry and inspect the premises, including but not limited to securing an inspection warrant pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1822.50 through 1822.57. The inspector shall provide notice that a warrant has been issued to both the Property Owner and the Tenant, invitee, or guest at least 24-hours before the warrant is executed, unless the judge finds that immediate execution is reasonably necessary under the circumstances shown.

B. Right of Entry. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the inspector has reasonable cause to believe that the residential rental property is so hazardous, unsafe, or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the public health and safety, the inspector shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect the premises and may use any reasonable means required to effect the entry and make an inspection.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

When ownership of a residential rental property changes, either the prior owner shall notify the Department of this event prior to the recordation of an instrument of conveyance with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office or the new owner shall notify the Department within sixty (60) days after recordation of an instrument of conveyance with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office. If the Director is not so notified, the existing registration for the residential rental property shall automatically be null and void. The new owner will not have to pay the program fees until the following calendar year provided all fees were paid by the prior owner of the residential rental property.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

City staff shall provide data related to PRHIP including, but not limited to, the number of inspections performed, cases opened, cases resolved, and cases reported to the State Tax Franchise Board, in the required annual Housing Element report for the City Council to review the effectiveness of these regulations, and shall enact modifications, if necessary.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The provisions of this Chapter regulating residential rental properties are not intended to be exclusive and compliance with this Chapter shall not excuse noncompliance with any other applicable provision, requirement, or regulation of this Code or any applicable state and/or federal law. Nothing in this Chapter shall limit or preclude inspections conducted by the Fire Department for compliance with Fire Codes.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

In addition to the remedies and penalties set forth herein, the City in its sole discretion, may also refer any qualifying property to the State Franchise Tax Board Substandard Housing Program to disallow income tax deductions claimed for interest, taxes, amortization, and depreciation related to substandard housing or to issue an Administrative Citation in accordance with Chapter 9.65 to any person or entity that violates the provisions of this Chapter.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD-16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

If the provisions, requirements, or regulations of this Chapter conflict with or contravene any other provision, requirement, or regulation of this Code, the provisions, requirements, or regulations of this Chapter shall prevail as to all matters and questions arising out of the subject matter of this Chapter.

(ORD-26-0004 § 27, 2026; ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)