Brief

In October 2017, the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department initiated a resolution to remove 4865 North Bakman Avenue from the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP). Council adopted the resolution 13-0-2 on October 10, 2017, and the action was finalized. However, the file has reactivated in 2026 with new Los Angeles Housing Department documents referred to the Housing Committee, which scheduled it for a September 16, 2026 meeting, suggesting either a reconsideration or related follow-up action.

Full summary

The Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP) is a tenant protection mechanism that lets renters deposit rent payments with the city instead of the landlord when serious housing code violations exist, creating financial pressure on landlords to make repairs. This file concerns the three-unit North Hollywood property at 4865 North Bakman Avenue, owned by Blue Lion Holdings LLC, and its removal from the program. The property was placed into REAP in March 2022 after code enforcement cited 17 violations covering fire warning devices, weatherproofing, general maintenance, electrical systems, and plumbing and gas. One of the three units was enrolled in the escrow program. The violations were ultimately cleared not through repairs but because the unit became vacant. With the violations resolved and the property owner having satisfied any outstanding utility charges with the Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles Housing Department determined the property met the requirements for removal under Municipal Code Section 162.08. In its September 2026 report, LAHD recommended that the City Council terminate the rent reductions, close the REAP escrow account, and release the held funds. Under the proposed resolution, escrowed funds would first cover outstanding administrative fees, inspection costs, and any unpaid rent registration penalties, with any remainder returned to the property owner. Rents would be restored to their original levels 30 days after tenants receive written notice from LAHD. The department also noted it would conduct an expedited systematic inspection of the property going forward, with the owner required to prepay for two annual inspections beyond the standard program fee as a condition of exit. LAHD notified Council Member Adrin Nazarian's office, whose Second District encompasses the property. The original 2017 action in this file — a 13-0-2 Council vote adopting a prior REAP removal resolution for the same address — was finalized in October 2017. The September 2026 submission reflects a separate, subsequent REAP case (Case No. 758541, opened in 2022) that was routed through this existing Council file. That new matter was referred to the Housing Committee on September 9, 2026, and is pending committee action ahead of an anticipated Council hearing on September 30, 2026.

Activity (8)

• 2026-09-11 Housing Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 16, 2026.
• 2026-09-09 Los Angeles Housing Department document(s) referred to Housing Committee.
• 2026-09-08 Document submitted by Los Angeles Housing Department, dated September 4, 2026.
• 2017-10-11 Council action final.
• 2017-10-10 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
• 2017-10-05 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on October 10, 2017.
• 2017-10-03 Housing and Community Investment Department document(s) referred to Council.
• 2017-10-03 Document(s) submitted by Housing and Community Investment Department, as follows:Housing and Community Investment Department report, dated October 2, 2017, and Resolution, relative to the removal of 4865 North Bakman Avenue from the Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP).

Documents (3)

• 2026-09-04 Report from Los Angeles Housing Department · report
• 2017-10-11 Council Action · council_action
• 2017-10-02 Report from Housing and Community Investment Department · report

Council votes (1)

• 2017-10-10 Adopted — 13-0-2 · Regular